Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) expression in biopsies of colorectal carcinoma is a significant prognostic indicator
Younes, M.; Fernandez, L.; Lechago, J.
Anticancer Research 16(4a): 1999-2003
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 8712733 Document Number: 458808
Background: Predicting the outcome of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRCA) prior to surgery would be valuable in selecting high-risk individuals who may benefit from pre-operative adjuvant therapy. The aim of this study is to determine whether the expression of TGF-alpha in preoperative biopsies of patients with CRCA constitutes a significant prognostic indicator. Methods: We studied the expression of TGF-alpha in preoperative biopsies of 106 patients with CRCA, who had at least 5 years follow-up, using an anti- TGF-alpha monoclonal antibody and utilizing the ABC immunoperoxidase technique. For survival analysis, we used the actuarial survival method, and the Log Rank test for statistical significance. Results: CRCAs with low TGF-alpha expression (less than 25% of the tumor cells immunoreactive for TGF-alpha) had a significantly poorer survival than those with high TGF-alpha expression (more than 25%). After excluding from analysis biopsies showing mucinous or poorly differentiated CRCA, known predictors of poor prognosis, the results remained significant (p=0.0289). Conclusion: It is concluded, therefore, that low or absent expression of TGF-alpha in pre-operative biopsies of patients with CRCA, as detected by immunohistochemistry, is a significant predictor of an unfavorable outcome.