Prognostic relevance of mdm2 protein expression in non-small cell lung cancer

Objectives . In this study we investigated the prognostic value of mdm2 protein expression (in correlation to previously assessed p53 status) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Material and methods . The study group included 123 NSCLC patients who underwent pulmonary resection. Expression of mdm2 protein was assessed immunohistochemically with the use of monoclonal antibody (clone IF2, Oncogene Science). Results . Expression of mdm2 protein was found in 40 samples (33%), whereas mdm2 and p53 co-expression - in 19 samples (15%). There was no relationship between the expression of mdm2 and major clinicopathological factors and neither there was an impact of mdm2 protein expression (considered separately or jointly with p53) on disease-free and overall survival. In uni- and multivariate analysis stage of disease and tumor grade were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions . These results suggest the lack of prognostic relevance of mdm2 expression in surgically treated NSCLC patients.