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Role of p53 gene in triple-negative?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008
Question from Jason222: How about the p53 gene? Seems that the triple-negative is also commonly associated with the overexpression of p53. What significance does this gene play in the outcome of the treatment?
Answer —George Sledge, M.D.: p53 has been called the “guardian of the genome.” That is to say p53's role in normal cells is to tell a cell to in essence commit suicide if its DNA has been damaged. In many cancers, but particularly in triple-negative breast cancers, p53 may be mutated and may no longer be performing the purpose intended by nature. Unfortunately, while we can measure p53 in cancer cells and while it is clear that mutated p53 is a poor prognostic factor in many human cancers, there is little we can do therapeutically about this problem at present, although this is an active area of pre-clinical research.

On Wednesday, July 16, 2008 our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. George Sledge, M.D. and Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about triple-negative breast cancer and its treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

George Sledge, M.D.George Sledge, M.D. is the Ballvé-Lantero Professor of Oncology at Indiana University at Indianapolis, where he co-directs Indiana University Simon Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Program.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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