P 16 expression in odontogenic tumours.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to examine the immunohistochemical expression of a cell-cycle-related factor (p16) in order to elucidate its role in the growth and diffusion of odontogenic tumors. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-six odontogenic tumors were divided into two groups according to their clinical behavior: group A and group B composed of tumors at low and high risk of recurrences, respectively. The ANOVA test was used to detect differences between the two groups. RESULTS: p16 was expressed in both groups, but with different localization. A statistically significant difference was found in p16 expression of peripheral cells, with an increase in the expression in group B compared to group A (P < 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in p16 positive expression of the central cells of odontogenic tumors, which was high in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present data show a correlation between p16 expression and the biological behavior of odontogenic tumors.