Microscopic view of a breast cancer cell with a glowing p53 protein.

Decoding p53: Can This Protein Predict Breast Cancer Outcomes?

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores p53's potential as a prognostic marker in triple-negative breast cancer, offering hope for personalized treatment strategies."

Breast cancer is a complex disease, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of its most challenging subtypes. TNBC is defined by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), making it less responsive to targeted therapies. This aggressive form of breast cancer often requires a more intensive treatment approach, and researchers are constantly seeking new ways to predict outcomes and personalize care.

One area of intense research is the role of the p53 protein. Often called the "guardian of the genome," p53 is a tumor suppressor that plays a critical role in DNA repair, cell cycle control, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Mutations in the TP53 gene, which encodes the p53 protein, are among the most common genetic alterations in human cancers, including breast cancer. These mutations can lead to a dysfunctional p53 protein, disrupting its normal tumor-suppressing activities.

A study presented in the Annals of Oncology explored the potential of p53 as a prognostic marker in patients with node-negative TNBC. The study aimed to determine whether the expression level of p53 could predict outcomes in these patients, potentially offering valuable information for treatment planning and risk assessment.

What the Study Revealed About p53's Role in TNBC

Microscopic view of a breast cancer cell with a glowing p53 protein.

Researchers retrospectively reviewed the data of 7,739 patients diagnosed with surgically treated invasive breast cancer at Samsung Medical Center between January 2003 and April 2013. Of these patients, 1,129 were diagnosed with TNBC. The study focused on several factors, including:

The researchers meticulously analyzed the clinicopathologic records of these patients, focusing on factors such as tumor size, nuclear grade, presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), TNM stage, and expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, Ki-67, and p53.

Tumor size
Nuclear grade
Presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI)
TNM stage
Expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2
Ki-67 expression
p53 expression

The study revealed that in TNBC patients without lymph node metastasis, p53-positive tumors were associated with a higher nuclear grade compared to p53-negative tumors (87.2% vs. 81.5%, P = 0.034). Additionally, p53-positive tumors showed higher EGFR expression than p53-negative tumors (90.7% vs. 84.8%, P = 0.039). Multivariate analysis indicated that p53 expression was significantly associated with better overall survival (OS) in these patients (HR 2.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-7.1, P = 0.022).

What This Means for TNBC Treatment

This research suggests that p53 expression could serve as a valuable prognostic factor in early-stage TNBC, particularly in patients without lymph node metastasis. While further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms, this study highlights the potential of p53 as a target for personalized treatment strategies in TNBC.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1093/annonc/mdw364.30, Alternate LINK

Title: Immunohistochemical Status Of P53 As Prognostic Factor In Patients With Node Negative Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Subject: Oncology

Journal: Annals of Oncology

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: S.Y. Bae, J.E. Lee, S.K. Lee, S.J. Nam

Published: 2016-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the role of p53 in the context of cancer?

p53 is a protein often referred to as the "guardian of the genome." Its primary function is to act as a tumor suppressor, meaning it helps prevent the development and spread of cancer. It does this by participating in DNA repair, cell cycle control, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Mutations in the TP53 gene, which encodes the p53 protein, can lead to dysfunctional p53, disrupting its tumor-suppressing activities. The study explores its role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

What is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and why is it significant?

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This absence makes TNBC less responsive to targeted therapies commonly used for other breast cancer types. As a result, TNBC often requires more aggressive treatment approaches. The study's focus on TNBC highlights the need for improved outcome prediction and personalized treatment strategies, given the aggressive nature of this cancer type.

What were the key findings of the study regarding p53 in TNBC?

The study found that in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients without lymph node metastasis, p53-positive tumors were associated with a higher nuclear grade and higher EGFR expression than p53-negative tumors. Multivariate analysis indicated that p53 expression was significantly associated with better overall survival (OS). These findings suggest that p53 expression could be a valuable prognostic factor in early-stage TNBC, potentially influencing treatment decisions.

What factors did the study analyze in relation to p53?

The study examined factors like tumor size, nuclear grade, presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), TNM stage, and expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, Ki-67, and p53. The researchers meticulously analyzed the clinicopathologic records of 7,739 patients diagnosed with surgically treated invasive breast cancer at Samsung Medical Center between January 2003 and April 2013. Of these patients, 1,129 were diagnosed with TNBC.

What are the potential implications of these findings for TNBC treatment?

The implications of this research suggest that p53 expression can be a valuable prognostic factor in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), especially for patients without lymph node metastasis. This could lead to more personalized treatment strategies. Knowing the p53 status of a patient's tumor can help doctors assess the risk of recurrence and make informed decisions about treatment options, potentially improving patient outcomes. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.