Role of p21WAF1 and p27KIP1 in Predicting Biochemical Recurrence for Organ-confined Prostate Adenocarcinoma

BackgroundBoth p21WAF1 and p27KIP1 have been reported as prognostic markers predicting biochemical failure for prostate cancers. We examined the expression and prognostic significance of p21WAF1 and p27KIP1 in organ-confined (pT2) prostate cancer patients.MethodsThe medical records of 53 pT2 prostate adenocarcinomas were analyzed retrospectively. Radical prostatectomy specimens were stained using anti-p21WAF1 and anti-p27KIP1 antibodies. Biochemical relapse was defined as 2 consecutive elevations in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level > 0.2 ng/mL with an interval of more than 3 months. The prognostic significance of p21WAF1 and p27KIP1 expression was assessed.Resultsp21WAF1 immunoreactivity was found in 19 patients (35.8%). Twenty-nine tumors (54.7%) had decreased p27KIP1 expression. Both markers were not associated with Gleason scores (p = 1.00 for both). At a median follow-up of 49 months, 15 patients (28.3%) experienced biochemical recurrence. Both p21 and p27 had no prognostic significance in log-rank test (p = 0.98 and p = 0.64, respectively).Conclusionp21WAF1 and p27KIP1 expression have no role in predicting biochemical relapse for stage pT2 prostate cancers.