Predictive value of MSH2 gene expression in colorectal cancer treated with capecitabine.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the gene expression of the DNA mismatch repair gene MSH2 as a predictive marker in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) treated with first-line capecitabine.


METHODS
Microdissection of paraffin-embedded tumor tissue, RNA extraction, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed on tumors obtained from 37 patients with advanced CRC.


RESULTS
The median relative gene expression of MSH2 was 0.65 (quartiles 0.5-0.8) in nonresponders and 1.25 (quartiles 0.92-1.38) for responders (P = 0.038). High expression of MSH2 was associated with a hazard ratio of 0.5 (95% confidence interval, 0.23-1.11; P = 0.083) in survival analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
The higher gene expression of MSH2 in responders and the trend for predicting overall survival indicates a predictive value of this marker in the treatment of advanced CRC with capecitabine.
Jensen
Lars H
LH
Department of Oncology, Danish Colorectal Cancer Group South, University of Southern Denmark, Vejle Hospital, Denmark. lars.henrik.jensen@vgs.regionsyddanmark.dk
Danenberg
Kathleen D
KD
Danenberg
Peter V
PV
Jakobsen
Anders
A
D000368:Aged; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D000069287:Capecitabine; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality; D053843:DNA Mismatch Repair; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053842:Microsatellite Instability / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D051718:MutS Homolog 2 Protein / Q000172:deficiency; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011379:Prognosis; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D011355:Prodrugs; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D000069287:Capecitabine; C497172:MSH2 protein, human; D051718:MutS Homolog 2 Protein; D005472:Fluorouracil