Uselessness of Serum p53 Antibody for Detecting Colitis-associated Cancer in the Era of Immunosuppressive Therapy

Abstract

Background/aim: The present study examined the utility of serum p53 antibody (Ab) for detecting colitis-associated cancer (CAC) in the era of immunosuppressive therapy.

Patients and methods: Two hundred and fifty patients were analyzed, 219 had no carcinoma or dysplasia (Group non-CAC), and 31 had carcinoma or dysplasia (Group CAC). Serum p53 Abs were detected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemical detection was performed in Group CAC.

Results: Immunosuppressive therapy was performed in 98.1% of Group non-CAC and 80.6% of Group CAC. There were no differences in serum p53 Abs positivity between Groups non-CAC and CAC (8.7% vs. 3.2%, p=0.30). p53 staining positivity was noted in 90.3% of Group CAC, and the rate of serum p53 positivity was significantly lower in patients with immunosuppressive therapy than in those without in Group CAC (0.0% vs. 16.7%, p=0.04).

Conclusion: The utility of serum p53 Ab for detecting CAC is dubious in the era of immunosuppressive therapy.

Keywords: Ulcerative colitis; colorectal cancer; immunosuppressive therapy; p53; serum anti-p53 antibodies.