Abstract

Objective: To investigate TP53 and Ki-67 expressions in malignant, borderline and benign epithelial ovarian tumors; correlate results with histopathological parameters; compare TP53 and Ki-67 expressions and discuss ovarian carcinogenesis.

Material and Methods: Standard immunohistochemistry was performed in 100 malignant, 27 borderline and 31 benign tumors and 42 non-tumoral ovarian epithelia.

Results: TP53 overexpression was higher in malignant (61.0%) than in borderline tumors (40.7%); in malignant cases above 50 years-of-age, with high grade and in undifferentiated and serous subtypes. Carcinomas with solid architecture in serous, high mitosis in non-serous and high pleomorphism in both subtypes; lymph node involvement, and advanced stage also showed higher expressions of TP53 (p<0.05). The mean Ki-67 index was 41.3% in malignant and 17.2% in borderline tumors. Ki-67 index tended to increase with increasing grade, and decrease with lymph node involvement. The coexpression of proteins according to grade, lymph node involvement and stage in different subtypes, showed significant differences and correlations.

Conclusion: Our findings support the role of TP53 overexpression in development of “borderline” and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors. The degree of TP53 expression differed in terms of histopathological parameters; and was correlated with Ki-67 index. Especially in early stages, these biological factors could provide additional information to stratify patients for case specific therapies.