Expression of mRNA as a prognostic factor of colon-rectal cancer.

Abstract

585 Background: Several cancer-associated genes are known as prognostic factors of colon-rectal cancer. We measured and compared mRNA expression levels for each gene in colon-rectal cancer tissues obtained from biopsied and excised specimens. Methods: 53 cases of colon-rectal cancer surgery were examined. By the DNP method, mRNA expression levels of cancer-associated genes were measured. Measurements and examinations were performed for 10 genes: TS, DPD, TP, FPGS, GGH, DHFR, ERCC1, Topo-I, EGFR and VEGF. Results: Among 53 patients who underwent operations for colon-rectal cancer, a comparison was conducted between 43 recurrence-free patients and 10 metastatic recurrent patients. Conclusions: The results thereof showed a tendency in metastatic recurrent cases toward decreased activity of Topo-I. Topo-I’s decrease in activity is said to be related to CPT-11 tolerance, and its low degree of activity in metastatic recurrent cases is predicted to be a factor in poor prognoses. At the same time, ERCC1 showed a tendency toward high activity in metastatic recurrent cases. ERCC1 is said to reduce sensitivity to platinum-based medications. Based on these results, further observation of the progress of treatment in each case is intended.