Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor intimately associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). NPC is a characteristic tumor displaying epidemiological, genetic and regional distribution properties that makes it unique by its natural behavior. To assess the expression pattern of LMP1 and p53 proteins in the different histological types of NPC in a sample of the Moroccan population and to define any association between the expression of those proteins with the sex, the age and the histological types of NPC. Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded NPC biopsies were evaluated in 23 Moroccan patients for the presence of LMP1 and p53 using immunohistochemistry (IHC). No LMP1 expression was observed whereas 8 of 23 cases (34. 7%) had detectable p53 protein in the nuclei of tumor cells. After statistical analysis according to the Fisher's exact probability test, no significant association between p53 expression and histological type, age and sex distributions was demonstrated (p>0.05). This study confirms that p53 overexpression is present in a subset of Moroccan NPC patients. Our results are consistent with those reported by other studies concerning the same NPC endemic risk area and provide original data concerning Morocco.
Highlights
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm with a remarkable geographic and racial distribution worldwide
This study confirms that p53 overexpression is present in a subset of Moroccan NPC patients
Our results are consistent with those reported by other studies concerning the same NPC endemic risk area and provide original data concerning Morocco
Summary
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm with a remarkable geographic and racial distribution worldwide. There are three distinct endemic areas: an area with very high frequency in southern China (Canton), where the incidence is 30 to 80/100 000/year[1,2]. In Morocco, the NPC incidence, estimated to be about 4.6/100 000/year and representing 5.3% of all cancers as reported by the Cancer Registry of the Casablanca Region (RCRC) published in 2007, is higher compared to Europe and USA6,7. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor intimately associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Our results are consistent with those reported by other studies concerning the same NPC endemic risk area and provide original data concerning Morocco.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
