P53 mutations in Yugoslav breast cancer patients

The aim of the study was to estimate possible significance of the p53 mutations concerning their correlation with pathobiological variables and their predictive role for the response to adjuvant chemotherapy in Yugoslav breast cancer patients (pts). 50 operable lymph node-positive breast cancer pts, all premenopausal, were included. The pts underwent chemotherapy as adjuvant treatment. p53 mutations (exons 5-8) were detected by PCR-SSCP. 22 p53 mutations were detected in 18/50 pts. All p53 mutations except one were found in invasive ductal carcinoma. p53 mutations were detected in 7/20 pts with relapse of disease. Significantly shorter progression-free interval (PFI) in relapsed pts with p53 mutations than in relapsed pts without mutations was found. In conclusion, occurrence of carly relapse in relapsed pts with p53 mutations supports data about its predictive value.