P16 expression in odontogenic tumors.

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.