Serum levels of mutant p53, soluble FAS (s-FAS)‎ in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract EN

In a trial to improve acute lymphoblastic leukaemicpatients outcome, we assessed the serum concentrations of mutant p53 and soluble Fas (s-Fas) as antiapoptotic markers in the sera of 45 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (on admission, after remission and in relapsed cases ) as well as in 15 healthy children of matchable age and sex as controls (on admission).

The study revealed significant increase of mutant p53 and s-Fas in newly diagnosed cases than in controls and ALL cases in remission, in non responders than in responders and in cases with organomegaly than those without organomegaly.

Although mutant p53 and s- Fas had the same specificity and negative predictive value, mutant p53 had significantly higher sensitivity and positive predictive value than s-Fas in ALL cases with metastases and in relapsed cases as well.

On admission, there were significant positive correlations between blast cells %, and each of mutant p53, s-Fas levels (r =0.46, 0.41 & P<0.007 and <0.018 respectively) as well as between the levels of last two antiapoptotic markers (r=0.62) In conclusion: The present study clearly indicates the role of both mutant p53 ands-Fas as antiapoptotic markers in proliferation and spread of childhood ALL as well as their prognostic values.

New strategies aimed at inhibiting mutantp53 and s-Fasproduction might render tumor cells more sensitive to p53 and Fas mediated apoptosis, renewing the hope for treatment of cases incurable by conventional therapeutic strategies and thus deserve further consideration.