Is p53 and heat shock protein 70 expression a useful parameter for preoperative hyperthermoradiation therapy in advanced rectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purposes of preoperative hyperthermoradiation (HR) therapy in advanced rectal carcinoma is to decrease the tumor mass and local recurrence after the operation and to improve long-term survival. The aim of this study was to investigate useful parameters of preoperative HR therapy in advanced rectal carcinoma.

METHODOLOGY

Thirty-seven patients with primary advanced rectal carcinoma located in the lower part of the rectum were treated with preoperative HR therapy followed by a curative resection of the rectum. Immunohistochemical staining for p53 and heat shock protein (HSP) 70 was performed on biopsied specimens obtained from 24 of them.

RESULTS

For both p53- and HSP 70-positive tumors the effect of HR therapy was good and survival rates were better than with for other tumors, but there was no significant correlation between HSP 70 expression and the effect of HR therapy and survival rates. And there was also no significant correlation between p53 expression and the effect of HR therapy and survival rates. HR therapy had a significant effect on the G or G4 tumors compared with G1 or G2 tumors (p = 0.0277).

CONCLUSIONS

Immunohistochemical detection of p53 and HSP 70 expressions may be useful for hyperthermoradiosensitive patients with advanced rectal carcinoma selected for preoperative HR therapy. HR therapy had a significant effect on G3 or G4 tumors compared with G1 or G2 tumors.