The biomarker TP53 divides esophageal cancer patients into 2 categories with markedly different outcomes: patients with a normal TP53 marker status may experience notable benefits from neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin/fluorouracil, whereas those with a mutant TP53 marker status appear to be at risk for lack of response.

ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the predictive power of p53 gene analysis versus p53 immunohistochemical staining in terms of response to preoperative short-term radiotherapy using 25 Gy in operable rectal cancer. Summary Background DataRecent studies show that p53 may be a determinant of radiosensitivity being required for induction of apoptosis in case of radiation-induced DNA damage. MethodsPreirradiation biopsy samples of 64 patients with rectal carcinoma were analyzed. Genetic alterations of the p53 gene were detected by complete direct sequencing of exons 2 to 10. Expression of the nuclear phosphoprotein p53 was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Results were correlated with histopathology of resected specimens and follow-up data, respectively.

Our data provide evidence for a clinically relevant association between HER2/neu and VEGF-C expression in human breast cancer. Inhibiting HER2/neu may reduce tumor progression by blocking VEGF-C-mediated tumor cell proliferation and lymphogenic metastasis.

This is the second clinical evaluation demonstrating a significant relation between p53 genotype and response to induction therapy in non-small cell lung cancer. We conclude that the p53 genotype should be evaluated as a predictive marker for response to induction therapy in prospective randomized protocols.

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