p53 Immunohistochemistry as a biomarker of dysplasia and neoplastic progression in Barrett's oesophagus

p53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer, and it is central to the progression of Barrett's oesophagus to cancer. Abnormal p53 may be demonstrated using a variety of techniques but abnormal immunohistochemical expression remains the most widely available and easily applicable method, and leaves the diagnostic pathologist central to diagnosis. Abnormal p53 expression is predictive of progression of Barrett's to cancer and provides a helpful adjunct to the sometimes problematic diagnosis of dysplasia. In the future, this should help prevent the overdiagnosis of dysplasia and inappropriate treatment.