Measurement of mutant p53 protein using flow cytometry
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of mutant p53 protein expression in haematological malignancies using flow cytometry
IRAS ID
178079
Contact name
Nina Dempsey-Hibbert
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
Mutant p53 protein has been seen in patients with haematological malignancies and is an indicator of poorer prognosis and resistance to chemotherapy. It is measured in people who have just been diagnosed in order to understand what stage the cancer is at and what treatment would be most appropriate. Currently, it is measured using a genetic test; these results can take up to a few weeks to come back and is very expensive. We think that by measuring the mutant protein using a different method, flow cytometry, we would be able to reduce this turnaround time and help get patients started on appropriate treatment sooner. Flow cytometry is a method that tags proteins in cells with special dyes, so that they can be measured using specialised equipment. It has a much shorter turnaround time than genetic testing and is also much cheaper, as all the equipment needed is already owned by the hospital.
No new samples will need to be taken; we will use whatever is left over after routine blood testing has been done. All patients will be having a genetic test for p53 mutations and will have consented for any excess samples to be used for research.
We will be comparing the results from our new test to the results from the old, genetic test; this will make sure that our test is just as accurate and does not impact on patient care. As normal p53 is found in everyone, we will also be testing normal controls in order to show that we are only detecting those with a genetic mutation and so are not misdiagnosing anyone.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0026
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion