Prognostic factors in colorectal cancer : aspects of tumour dissemination

摘要: The purpose of our study was to develop specific, sensitive, objective assays for early detection disseminated tumour cells in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 20 (CK20) were chosen as markers because they are selectively expressed epithelial maintained expression CRC. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR RNA copy standards constructed. Regional lymph nodes collected from CRC (n = 51) benign intestinal disease 10). Results compared routine histopathology anti-CEA immunohistochemistry. Lymph node levels CEA CK20 mRNA correlated strongly (p < 0.0001, r 0.8). non-CRC had <0.01 <0.001 copies/18S rRNA unit. 3/6 Dukes' A, 17/26 B, 10/10 C 7/9 D above cut-off. Corresponding figures 3/6, 10/26, 9/10 5/9, respectively. varied 0.001 100 unit A 50% the B within range patients. Three have died or developed distant metastases. All 3 high levels. Determination superior immunohistochemistry showing nodes. present qRT-PCR assay seems be a tool identify individuals cells. Future extended studies will establish clinically most relevant cut-off level.