Abstract
BackgroundWe performed a retrospective study to assess the clinicopathological characters, molecular alterations and multigene mutation profiles in colorectal cancer patients with signet-ring cell component.MethodsBetween November 2008 and January 2015, 61 consecutive primary colorectal carcinomas with signet-ring cell component were available for pathological confirmation. RAS/BRAF status was performed by direct sequencing. 14 genes associated with hereditary cancer syndromes were analyzed by targeted gene sequencing.ResultsA slight male predominance was detected in these patients (59.0%). Colorectal carcinomas with signet-ring cell component were well distributed along the large intestine. A frequently higher TNM stage at the time of diagnosis was observed, compared with the conventional adenocarcinoma. Family history of malignant tumor was remarkable with 49.2% in 61 cases. The median OS time of stage IV patients in our study was 14 months. RAS mutations were detected in 22.2% (12/54) cases with KRAS mutations in 16.7% (9/54) cases and Nras mutations in 5.4%(3/54) cases. BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 3.7% (2/54) cases. As an exploration, we analyzed 14 genes by targeted gene sequencing. These genes were selected based on their biological role in association with hereditary cancer syndromes. 79.6% cases carried at least one pathogenic mutation. Finally, the patients were classified by the percentage of signet-ring cell. 39 (63.9%) cases were composed of ≥50% signet-ring cells; 22 (36.1%) cases were composed of <50% signet-ring cells. We compared clinical parameters, molecular and genetic alterations between the two groups and found no significant differences.ConclusionsColorectal adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell component is characterized by advanced stage at diagnosis with remarkable family history of malignant tumor. It is likely a negative prognostic factor and tends to affect male patients with low rates of RAS /BRAF mutation. Colorectal patients with any component of signet-ring cells, regardless of the extent, shared similar clinicopathological characteristics, molecular alterations and genetic profiles.
Highlights
The most recent estimates of the worldwide burden of cancer (GLOBOCAN 2012) show that colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer (1.36 million cases; 9.7%), and the fourth highest cause of cancer death (694,000 deaths; 8.5%) [1]
Colorectal carcinomas with signet-ring cell component were well distributed along the large intestine
The patients were classified by the percentage of signet-ring cell. 39 (63.9%) cases were composed of 50% signet-ring cells; 22 (36.1%) cases were composed of
Summary
The most recent estimates of the worldwide burden of cancer (GLOBOCAN 2012) show that colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer (1.36 million cases; 9.7%), and the fourth highest cause of cancer death (694,000 deaths; 8.5%) [1]. Three major histological subtypes of CRC can be identified: intestinal type adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) and signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC). The MAC and SRCC represent approximately 5–15% and 1% of the disease, respectively [2]. Because of their relatively rare occurrences, most studies on signet-ring cell colorectal carcinoma include both MAC and SRCC [3]. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines that signet-ring cell carcinoma is composed of 50% of tumor cells with prominent intracytoplasmic mucin, typically displacing and indenting the nucleus [4]. We performed a retrospective study to assess the clinicopathological characters, molecular alterations and multigene mutation profiles in colorectal cancer patients with signet-ring cell component
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
