This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
p53, DCC and thymidylate synthase as predictors of survival after resection of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. BJS 2002; 89: 1409-1415.
Published: 2nd December 2002
Authors: R. P. M. Saw, D. Koorey, D. Painter, P. J. Gallagher, M. J. Solomon
Background
Hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer is a common problem. Hepatic resection offers the only chance of cure. Prognosis of patients following hepatic resection is currently based on clinicopathological factors (of both the primary cancer and the hepatic metastasis), which do not accurately predict the subsequent behaviour of the tumour. The aim of this study was to evaluate three molecular genetic markers – p53, DCC (deleted in colonic cancer) and thymidylate synthase – in both the primary colorectal tumour and the resected hepatic metastases, and to determine their correlation, if any, with survival in patients with resected hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.
Method
Sixty‐three patients with hepatic metastases and 40 corresponding colorectal primary tumours were studied using immunohistochemical staining for p53, DCC and thymidylate synthase, as well as p53 gene mutations using polymerase chain reaction–single‐stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) analysis. The results were correlated with survival.
Results
There was no correlation between p53, DCC or thymidylate synthase immunohistochemical staining, or between p53 PCR‐SSCP analysis, and survival for either hepatic metastases or the colorectal primary tumour.
Conclusion
Prediction of prognosis in patients having resection of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer continues to be problematic. Other genetic markers or combination of markers need to be evaluated. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
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