Profile of p53 expression in epithelial ovarian carcinomas: A multicenter study from South-East Nigeria

Background: Therapeutic targeting of mutated protein 53 (p53) will require the knowledge of mutated p53 expression. Currently, there is paucity of data on the expression of p53 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in Nigeria. Objective: This study therefore aims to carry out an immunohistochemical study of histologically diagnosed EOCs in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Hematoxylin and eosin slides and paraffin blocks of all histologically diagnosed cases of epithelial ovarian carcinomas in the two histopathology laboratories in Nnewi, Anambra State, over a 7-year period, were retrieved from the archives. Archival paraffin blocks of histologically normal ovaries in these laboratories were also retrieved to serve as controls. Sections were made from the tissue blocks and stained with p53 immunostain. Results: Fifty EOC specimen and twenty histologically normal ovaries were enrolled in this study. While 58% of EOC showed p53 positivity, none of the histologically normal ovaries showed p53 positivity. p53 expression was more common in those above 50 years of age, yet no association was found between p53 expression and age of patient. However, there was a statistically significant association between p53 positivity and tumor grade (P < 0.01), histologic subtype (P = 0.009) and molecular subtype (P < 0.01), with p53 positivity being more common in high-grade EOC, serous tumors, and Type 2 EOC. Conclusion: Overall, these data support the dualistic model of ovarian carcinogenesis in Nigerian patients and therefore, recommend intensified research into p53-targeted therapy.