Wilms Tumor Gene (WT1) and p53 expression in endometrial carcinomas: a study of 130 cases using a tissue microarray.

Overview

OBJECTIVE: With the exception of ovarian serous carcinoma, Wilms tumor suppressor gene (WT1) expression in common gynecologic carcinomas has not been described in detail. We studied a large number of endometrial carcinomas to determine the range of tumors that express WT1; this could have prognostic and therapeutic significance. METHODS: We studied the immunohistochemical expression of WT1 and p53 in 130 primary human endometrial carcinomas of various histological subtypes, grades, and stages using a tissue microarray. The clinical data were retrieved from the medical records. RESULTS: WT1 was expressed in a wide variety of endometrial cancers and was most marked in malignant mixed Mullerian tumors (MMMTs) (70% positive). WT1 expression was significantly correlated with high histological grade, and there was a trend toward a worse clinical outcome for patients whose tumors expressed WT1. An association between expression of WT1 and p53 and between these and outcome was noted in a univariate analysis, but only stage and p53 status remained prognostically significant independent variables. CONCLUSION: WT1 is expressed in appreciable numbers of endometrial cancers, particularly MMMTs. These findings support further investigation of WT1 as a possible therapeutic target in gynecologic malignancies.