Dynamic Expression Profile of p21^{<i>WAF1/CIP1</i>} and Ki-67 Predicts Survival in Rectal Carcinoma Treated With Preoperative Radiochemotherapy

Abstract

These findings are novel and support the clinical relevance of p21 in the suppression of both proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, the dynamic induction of p21WAF1/CIP1 was associated with a lower proliferative activity but an ultimately worse treatment outcome following neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and tumor resection. Induction of p21, therefore, represents a novel resistance mechanism in rectal cancer undergoing preoperative radiochemotherapy.