c-MET overexpression as a prognostic biomarker in colorectal adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Background: There is a need for informative molecular markers that provide prognostic information over and above that given by conventional pathologic parameters. This study examined the expression and potential prognostic value of c-MET in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Material and methods: Two-hundred and thirty cases were evaluable after tissue microarray construction and evaluated for c-MET expression by immunohistochemistry. The results were correlated with standard clinicopathologic prognostic factors. Cases were followed up for 5 years.

Results: c-MET was highly expressed in 138 of 230 cases (60%). In normal tissues a negative or weak reaction was observed. Significantly higher c-MET expression was found in the metastatic group (p=0.04). No significant association was found in relation to age, sex, tumor site, tumor size, histological type, or tumor grade (p > 0.05). The 5-year disease free survival for patients with low levels of expression was significantly higher than that for patients with high levels (64% versus 45%, p=0.04).

Conclusion: c-MET seems to be a valuable biomarker in colorectal adenocarcinoma; overexpression is a useful prognostic indicator for metastasis and patient outcome.

Keywords: c-MET, prognosis, colorectal adenocarcinoma, tissue microarray.