Systematic review of genetic influences on the prognosis of colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
In terms of genetics, colorectal cancer is one of the best understood of all malignant diseases. Genetic influences on prognosis may have far-reaching implications, especially for the design of surgical and chemoradiotherapeutic regimens. However, their significance in determining prognosis remains unclear. This study aimed to review the literature on the specific role of key genes in determining the survival of patients with colorectal cancer.


METHODS
A Medline search was carried out to identify all original scientific papers relating colorectal cancer genetics to patient survival, up to December 2002. Cochrane and Embase databases were also searched. Identified articles were retrieved and searched carefully for additional information. This review includes K-ras, p53, DCC, NM23 and DNA mismatch repair genes.


CONCLUSIONS
Conflicting evidence exists as to the prognostic significance of genes commonly implicated in the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma. Possible causes for such discrepancy include differences in study methods and laboratory techniques, variable duration of follow-up, statistical differences in study power, and heterogeneity in study populations. Future studies should adopt standardized protocols to define clinically relevant genetic observations.
Anwar
S
S
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK.
Frayling
I M
IM
Scott
N A
NA
Carlson
G L
GL
D020137:Base Pair Mismatch / Q000235:genetics; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D016158:Genes, p53 / Q000235:genetics; D011905:Genes, ras / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics; D054778:NM23 Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases; D009701:Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase / Q000235:genetics; D011379:Prognosis; D016019:Survival Analysis
D054778:NM23 Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases; C517938:NME1 protein, human; D009701:Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase