A critical analysis of the use of p53 as a marker for management of bladder cancer.

Delineating the important molecular pathways in carcinogenesis has helped develop and advance the field of molecular diagnosis. Bladder cancer has served as an excellent model in translating some of the advances from the laboratory to clinical settings. Many investigators have examined the use of p53 to help manage patients with bladder cancer who are at high risk of tumor progression. This article reviews the clinical studies that have used p53 as a marker in bladder carcinoma and concludes by determining whether routine assessment of the p53 tumor suppressor gene/protein is indicated at this time.