MDM2 gene amplification and expression in non-small-cell lung cancer: immunohistochemical expression of its protein is a favourable prognostic marker in patients without p53 protein accumulation

Br J Cancer. 1997;75(9):1302-8. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1997.221.

Abstract

MDM2 is an oncoprotein that inhibits p53 tumour-suppressor protein. Amplification of the MDM2 gene and overexpression of its protein have been observed in some human malignancies, and these abnormalities have a role in tumorigenesis through inactivation of p53 function. To determine the clinicopathological and prognostic value of MDM2 abnormalities in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), MDM2 gene amplification and its protein expression status were analysed in surgically resected materials. MDM2 gene amplification was detected in only 2 (7%) of the 30 tested patients. MDM2 protein was found immunohistochemically in a total of 48 (24%) of the 201 patients. MDM2 protein was slightly frequently observed in patients with adenocarcinoma, but its presence or absence was not associated with clinicopathological factors such as T-factor, N-factor, stage, tumour size, differentiation or p53 protein status. Overall, MDM2-positive patients tended to have a better prognosis (P = 0.062). In particular, among immunohistochemically p53-negative patients (n = 110), those with positive MDM2 protein expression showed significantly better prognosis (P = 0.039) and, in a multivariate analysis, MDM2 protein status was a favourable prognostic factor (P = 0.037). In contrast, among p53-positive patients (n = 91), there was no difference in prognosis depending on MDM2 protein status. Thus, in the NSCLC patients studied, MDM2 gene amplification was a minor event, but expression of its protein, which was often observed immunohistochemically, was a favourable prognostic marker, especially among patients without p53 protein accumulation. Further study is needed to determine how MDM2 protein expression results in a better prognosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Female
  • Gene Amplification*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins*
  • Point Mutation
  • Postoperative Period
  • Prognosis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2
  • Survival Analysis
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • MDM2 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2