Expression of the S-100 and p53 proteins in schwannoma and malign peripheral nerve sheath tumor

Abstract

The term malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) express spindle cell sarcomas arising from nerve or neurofibroma, or showing nerve sheat differentiation. Differentiation of low grade MPNST from other benign lesions is important for planning of treatment. The aim of the this study is to investigate the relationship between presence of p53 protein, S-100 protein staining pattern and differentiation in schwannomas and MPNST. Statistically significant relation hasn't been shown between presence of p53 protein and S-100 protein staining pattern and MPNST grade. The percentage of cases with a positive immunoreaction for p53 protein was higher in MPNST than schwannoma. P53 protein positivity was correlated well with the loss of S-100 protein staining. These results show that investigation of immunohistochemical S-100 protein staining pattern and p53 protein positivity may have a value in the evaluation of borderline cases. More studies are needed to clarify this subject.