Beta-catenin and E-cadherin tissue "content" as prognostic markers in left-side colorectal cancer.

AIM

To investigate the relationship between beta-catenin and E-cadherin tissue quantitative expression (content) in tumors and clinical prognostic factors in patients with left colon cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty nine patients with colon adenocarcinoma located distal to the splenic flexure were studied. Diagnosis and histological variables related to adenocarcinoma prognosis were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin. Beta-catenin and E-cadherin were analysed by immunohistochemistry with specific anti-beta-catenin and anti-E-cadherin monoclonal antibodies. Tissue quantitative expression (content) was determined by computer assisted image analysis method. Results were analysed with statistical tests, adopting a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

There are correlations between beta-catenin and TNM stage (p< 0.01). There are progressively greater amounts of beta-catenin in patients with deeper invasion of the tumor in colon layers (p=0.03), progressive lymph node involvement (p=0.05), as well as in patients with distant metastasis (p=0.04). Worse histological grades are related to lower expression of E-cadherin in tumor tissue (p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

E-cadherin can be used as an indicator of tumor differentiation degree, whereas beta-catenin can be used as a predictor of invasion depth and spread of distal colorectal cancer.