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jhc.2026.10.1.7

Journal of Histopathology and Cytopathology

Official Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Pathology

Vol 10, No 1, January 2026

Expression of p53 in Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder: Correlation with Tumor Grade and Muscle Invasion
Azim T,1 Jinnah MS,2 Aktar M,3 Ahmed M,4 *Badhan RE5

Abstract
Background: The p53 gene, a well-known tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 17p13.1, plays a pivotal role in regulating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mutations or overexpression of p53 have been linked to tumor progression in urothelial carcinoma.
Aim: To evaluate p53 expression in urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder and determine its relationship with histopathological grade and muscle invasion.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dhaka Medical College between March 2020 and February 2022. Forty histopathologically diagnosed urothelial carcinoma cases from TURBT or cystectomy specimens were included. p53 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with tumor grade and the presence of muscle invasion.
Results: The mean age was 60.85 ± 11.18 years (range 40–85), with a male-to-female ratio of 3.4:1. p53 was positive in 65% of all cases and in 92.3% of high-grade tumors, while most low-grade tumors were negative. Among high-grade, muscle-invasive cases, p53 positivity was observed in 93.3% of cases. The correlation between p53 overexpression and both tumor grade and muscle invasion was statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: p53 expression is significantly associated with aggressive urothelial carcinoma phenotypes, supporting its utility as a prognostic biomarker in clinical decision-making.
[Journal of Histopathology and Cytopathology, 2026 Jan; 10 (1):53-62]
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.69950/jhc.2026.10.1.7

Keywords: p53, tumor suppressor gene, bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma, cell cycle regulation, immunohistochemistry, muscle-invasive

  1. Dr. Tasmia Azim, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College, Dhaka. tasmia.azim@gmail.com  
  2. Professor Dr. Mohammed Shahed Ali Jinnah. Ex-director, National Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Referral Centre (NILMRC), Dhaka. jinnah63@gmail.com
  3. Dr. Marufa Aktar, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Sher E Bangla Medical College, Barishal. marufaepu@gmail.com
  4. Dr. Nasim Ahmed, Junior Consultant,Department of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Palliative and Intensive Care Medicine, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. : dr.ahmednasim@gmail.com
  5. *Dr. Raisa Enayet Badhan, Medical Officer, Department of Microbiology, National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka. raisabadhan@gmail.com

*For Correspondence

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