Phenotypic expression of gastrointestinal differentiation markers in colorectal adenocarcinomas with liver metastasis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the present study was to clarify the correlation between phenotypic expression of gastrointestinal differentiation markers and colorectal cancer behaviour, particularly invasion and hepatic metastasis.


METHODS
Thirty-one cases of advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) with liver metastasis were selected. Phenotypic patterns were evaluated immunohistochemically by means of antibodies to CD10, MUC2, and human gastric mucin (HGM).


RESULTS
The incidence of MUC2 (45.2%) and HGM (16.1%) expression in CRCs with liver metastasis did not differ from non-metastatic CRCs. In contrast, the incidence of CD10 expression was significantly higher in CRCs with liver metastasis (58.1%) than in control CRCs (21.7%). Phenotypic expression in the liver metastasis carcinomas was similar to that of the primary lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that cases of CRC with CD10 expression are at increased risk of liver metastasis. Even if there is no liver metastasis at laparotomy for CRC, careful follow-up is recommended for CRCs with CD10 expression.
Yao
Takashi
T
Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Takata
Miyuki
M
Tustsumi
Shuichi
S
Nishiyama
Ken-ichi
K
Taguchi
Ken-ichi
K
Nagai
Eishi
E
Tsuneyoshi
Masazumi
M
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000556:secondary; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005752:Gastric Mucins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055262:Mucin-2; D009077:Mucins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015260:Neprilysin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010641:Phenotype
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D005752:Gastric Mucins; C524625:MUC2 protein, human; D055262:Mucin-2; D009077:Mucins; D015260:Neprilysin