A comparison between p53 accumulation determined by immunohistochemistry and<i>TP53</i>mutations as prognostic variables in tumours from breast cancer patients

Abstract

The clinical outcome for breast cancer patients is significantly different for different TP53 mutation types, but further functional studies are required to clarify the exact role of these mutation types. Most of the mutations that lead to mutant p53 protein accumulation can be detected by immunohistochemistry but the specificity is low. Samples showing lack of detectable p53 protein should be considered as an indication of a possible null mutation.