# TP53 P72R Polymorphism Is Associated With P53 Protein Expression in Fatal Prostate Cancer: A Novel Case Report and Review of the Literature

**Authors:** Pooria Asili, Jordan Selep, Coen J Lap, Maneesh Jain, Victor E Nava

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94573 · Cureus · 2025-10-14

## TL;DR

This case report explores how a TP53 gene polymorphism may be linked to aggressive prostate cancer.

## Contribution

A novel case report connects the TP53 P72R polymorphism with aggressive prostate cancer in a post-mortem patient.

## Key findings

- The TP53 P72R polymorphism was the sole genetic abnormality in a case of aggressive prostate cancer.
- The R72 variant may have altered biochemical properties that increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
- The association between TP53 P72R and prostate cancer risk remains controversial and requires further study.

## Abstract

Somatic alterations of TP53 in prostate cancer (PCa) are linked to high-grade tumors, increased metastatic potential, and an adverse prognosis. Although germline TP53 mutations significantly increase the risk of developing aggressive PCa, the impact of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) remains less understood. This report presents a novel case of a patient diagnosed post-mortem with aggressive, metastatic PCa, with autopsy revealing a TP53 variant at codon 72 as the sole abnormality with confirmatory histology, immunohistochemistry, and next-generation sequencing. The arginine variant (R72) is known to have altered biochemical properties and may increase the risk of aggressive PCa development. The impact of this polymorphism on PCa risk has not been fully established and remains controversial. This report reviews the existing literature on the TP53 P72R polymorphism and its association with PCa risk. Although the exact biological significance remains to be defined, the presence of this SNP might indicate an increased risk for the development of aggressive PCa in patients.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** TP53 (tumor protein p53) [NCBI Gene 7157]
- **Proteins:** TP53 (tumor protein p53)
- **Diseases:** prostate cancer (MONDO:0005159)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** TP53 (tumor protein p53) [NCBI Gene 7157] {aka BCC7, BMFS5, LFS1, P53, TRP53}
- **Diseases:** PCa (MESH:D011471), tumors (MESH:D009369)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]
- **Mutations:** R72

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

44 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12614195/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12614195