The prognostic significance of immunostaining of Wnt signalling pathway molecules, E-cadherin and β-catenin in colorectal carcinomacolorectal carcinoma

Abstract

Background and study aims: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The E-cadherin-catenin complex is crucial in the development and progression of carcinomas. This study was conducted to evaluate the relation between E-cadherin and β-catenin immunostaining and CRC outcome.

Patients and methods: Tissue microarrays were constructed from CRC, nodal metastases, adenomas, and normal mucosa. E-cadherin and β-catenin immunostaining was performed, and results were analyzed.

Results: For E-cadherin, the membranous fraction (MF) was higher in normal mucosa, adenoma, CRC, and nodal metastasis than the cytoplasmic fraction (CF), but no difference in nodal metastasis was observed. A low MF in CRC was associated with disease relapse. For β-catenin, high MF and CF in normal mucosa, adenoma, CRC, and nodal metastasis were observed, whereas the nuclear fraction (NF) was high only in CRC. In CRC, a high CF was associated with nodal metastasis and the incidence of relapse and predicted nodal metastasis. A high NF could predict distance metastasis. A high CF in CRC was associated with favorable disease-free survival and overall survival.

Conclusion: Reduced E-cadherin and β-catenin immunostaining in CRC is related to prognostic factors. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway may play a crucial role in CRC progression and help identify the high risk of adverse outcomes and indicate close follow-up.

Keywords: CRC; E-cadherin; Immunohistochemistry; Prognosis; β-catenin.