Prognostic implications of p53 gene mutations in bladder tumors.

Abstract

Mutations in the p53 gene are mainly point mutations that aggregate in hot spots, and provoke genetic instability and substantial changes that alter p53 function, implying a trend to tumor progression and dissemination (with a greater proportion of mutations in high stage high grade tumors). Since a large percentage of bladder tumors are under staged, analysis of p53 gene mutations could be useful as a factor for prognosis and therapeutic decisions.