Overexpression of the tumor-suppressor gene p53 in human ovarian tumor-tissues and its correlation with clinical stage.

An extensive series of histological sections from various types of benign, borderline, and malignant human ovarian tumors were examined for expression of the p53 protein by immunohistochemical staining, using a new anti-p53 mouse monoclonal antibody. Positive staining for p53 was detected in 34% of all malignant ovarian cancer tissues. A high rate of positivity was observed in serous cystadenocarcinoma (59.7%). None of the borderline or benign tumors showed any reaction. No relation was observed between clinical stage, and the frequency of p53 positivity. Mutation of the p53 gene with overexpression of the mutant protein appears to be a specific genetic change in human ovarian cancer.