Overexpression of FLIPL is an independent marker of poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers. The tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathway transmits apoptotic signals and anticancer agents that activate this system, which are in clinical development. We sought to determine the prognostic value of the clinically most relevant members of this pathway in colorectal cancer patients.


METHODS
We used an arrayed panel of colorectal cancer tissue to assess the protein expression of the functional TRAIL receptors (TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2) and both the long and short forms of FLICE inhibitory protein (FLIP(L) and FLIP(S)). Disease-free survival was examined by Kaplan-Meier estimates and the log-rank test. Prognostic factors were determined by Cox multivariate analysis.


RESULTS
The TRAIL receptors and FLIP(S) were not associated with survival. On univariate analysis, strong FLIP(L) expression was associated with a significantly higher survival (P = 0.0082). On multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model, FLIP(L) phenotype was significantly associated with a poor prognosis in this series (hazard ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-3.56; P = 0.011).


CONCLUSIONS
Overexpression of FLIP(L), but not TRAIL-R1 or TRAIL-R2, provides stage-independent prognostic information in colorectal cancer patients. This may indicate a clinically more aggressive phenotype and a subset of patients for whom more extensive adjuvant treatment would be appropriate.
Ullenhag
Gustave J
GJ
Section of Gastrointestinal Surgery, University Hospital Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Mukherjee
Abhik
A
Watson
Nicholas F S
NF
Al-Attar
Ahmad H
AH
Scholefield
John H
JH
Durrant
Lindy G
LG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D053446:CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011379:Prognosis; D053220:Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / Q000032:analysis; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000032:analysis