To the Editor: The contribution by Faedo et al. (Clin Cancer Res 2004;10:4417-4419) reports interesting and significant findings. They compare their data on tumors that are positive for the mouse mammary tumor virus–like env gene sequences with respect to p53 nuclear accumulation and progesterone receptor status with our published data (Pogo etal., Clin Cancer Res 1999;5:2108-2111). Unfortunately, they citeour data for p53 incorrectly. We have analyzed 69 specimensnot 26 as they stated in the discussion section of their study. We found 12 of 26 (46%) env (+) tumors positive for p53versus 13 of 43 (30%) env (−) tumors. The difference between env (+) and env (−) tumors among our 69 specimens is consistent with the data of Faedo et al. Differences in techniques and antibodies as well as sample size are likely contributing factors for some of the variation found.
Beatriz Pogo
Sylvie Menard
James F. Holland
Mount Sinai School of Medicine,
Box 1129, 1 Gustaave L. Levy Place,
New York, NY 10029
E-mail: [email protected]
In Response: We thank Pogo et al. for their letter, highlighting the misquotation in the discussion section. In fact, the number quoted in our article (26) corresponds to the number of samples positive for mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)– like DNA sequences, not the total number tested (69). We would, however, like to emphasize that this does not affect the findings reported. In our study, we tested 50 samples positive for MMTV-like DNA sequences from a total number tested of 128, representing almost double the number of samples in the article referenced (Pogo et al., Clin Cancer Res 1999;5:2108-2111). This is especially valid for progesterone receptor, in which 18 of 50 (36%) were positive for progesterone receptor compared with 13 of 78 (17%) MMTV-negative samples (i.e., more than double the proportion of MMTV-positive samples compared with MMTV-negative samples were positive for progesterone receptor). Although differences in techniques and antibodies exist, we do not consider such a significant difference can be attributed to these effects. In fact, it is plausible that progesterone receptor is associated with MMTV prevalence, given that the long terminal repeat of MMTV contains hormone-responsive elements.
Margaret Faedo
Caroline E. Ford
William D. Rawlinson
Virology Division, Department of
Microbiology, South Eastern Area Laboratory
Services, The Prince of Wales Hospital,
Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
E-mail: [email protected]
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