Different studies have already shown that the isolated inactivation of p21, p16, or p27 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) is associated with increased growth fraction, tumor progression, or decreased overall survival in cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
In this study, we examined protein expression and methylation status of the promoter region of p27 in 70 cases with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and their relationship with proliferative activity of the tumor cells as revealed by Ki-67 index.
Thus, overexpression of Cdc25A and concomitant loss of p27 expression are associated with high grade B-cell NHL and may contribute to their aggressive biologic behavior.