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The p53 tumor suppressor gene in breast cancer

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Summary

Alterations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene are the most common genetic changes found so far in breast cancer, suggesting that the gene plays a central role in the development of the disease. p53 functions as a negative regulator of cell growth, and alterations in the gene lead to loss of this negative growth regulation and more rapid cell proliferation. A number of independent groups using different methods of detection have shown that p53 alterations are associated with more aggressive tumor biologic factors and a poorer prognosis in breast cancer patients. Because of its possible role in the regulation of apoptosis and response to DNA damage, p53 status could also be a predictive marker for response to hormonal or chemotherapy.

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  1. Department of Medicine/Medical Oncology and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, 78284-7884, San Antonio, Texas, USA

    Richard M. Elledge & D. Craig Allred

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  1. Richard M. Elledge
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  2. D. Craig Allred
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Elledge, R.M., Allred, D.C. The p53 tumor suppressor gene in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Tr 32, 39–47 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00666204

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