Role of P53 deletion in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia

Background: Loss of the P53 tumour suppressor gene located on the short arm of chromosome 17 (17p13.1) is frequently associated with aggressive disease courses and drug resistance. The prognostic association of P53 deletion has been confirmed for chronic myeloid leukaemia, but not for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).Aim of work: The aim of the current study was to investigate the prognostic value of P53 deletion in de-novo patients with AML and to correlate this with known prognostic parameters as well as clinical outcome.Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 91 patients with de-novo AML meeting WHO criteria for AML. The fluorescence in-situ hybridization technique was applied for detection of P53 deletion at the time of diagnosis. Follow-up studies were carried out to evaluate therapeutic response and clinical outcome.Results: Loss of P53 was detected in eight out of 91 (8.8%) patients with AML. Among them seven (87.5%) had complex aberrations. A significant difference was detected between P53 deletion positive and negative patients as regards age and total leukocyte count. A highly significant association was detected between P53 deletion and incomplete remission. Interestingly, the coexistence of P53 deletion with old age and high total leukocyte count exhibited a negative impact on the outcome in patients.Conclusion: P53 deletion can be considered as an indicator of poor therapeutic response in AML patients. Developing new drugs targeting the P53 pathway could be a way to improve treatment of AML.