Expression of β-catenin and p53 are prognostic factors in deep aggressive fibromatosis

Aims: To determine the prognostic significance of β‐catenin in aggressive fibromatosis and to identify potential molecular markers for new targeted therapies. Methods and results: A tissue microarray of 37 cases of deep aggressive fibromatosis was constructed and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for β‐catenin, p53, smooth muscle actin (SMA), desmin, Ki67, c‐erbB2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), c‐kit, CD34 and S100. Complete clinical follow‐up was available for 23 patients. Nuclear β‐catenin expression was associated with an increased rate of local tumour recurrence (60.0% 1‐year and 0% 5‐year event‐free survival; P