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- Title
MET overexpression is not an independent prognostic indicator in primary colorectal cancer.
- Authors
Yi Mi Kevin Ren; Bocicariu, Alina; Ramjeesingh, Ravi; Hammad, Nazik; Nicol, Christopher; Mulligan, Lois; Feilotter, Harriet; Hurlbut, David; Davey, Scott
- Abstract
Objective: MET, a receptor tyrosine kinase is normally expressed in epithelial cells and plays an essential role in embryonic development and wound healing. Abnormal MET activation has been shown to correlate with tumour angiogenesis, invasion, metastases and poor prognosis in many human cancers. Recent studies have suggested that MET plays an important role in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, controversy remains regarding its prognostic value in primary CRC. We examined MET expression in a large cohort of primary CRC cases to help clarify its potential as an independent prognostic indicator. Methods: Using tissue microarrays, MET expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 128 cases of primary colorectal adenocarcinoma resected at our institution between 2008 and 2009. MET staining intensity and extent were independently evaluated by 2 pathologists. Cytoplasmic (c) and membranous (m) MET staining scores were calculated as a weighted average from 3 core samples per tumour. Univariate analysis of average scores and clinicopathological outcome measures from patient chart reviews was completed. Results: Primary CRC tumour cells show MET relatively increased expression compared to normal colonic epithelium. Higher MET membranous expression was positively associated with vascular invasion. Neither membranous nor cytoplasmic MET expression showed significant correlation with disease progression or overall survival. MET expression levels were also not associated with tumor grade or stage at diagnosis. Conclusion: Although our study shows that increased MET membranous expression correlates with vascular invasion, no significant correlation with disease progression or overall survival was found. Thus, MET expression alone is not an independent prognostic marker in primary CRC.
- Publication
Canadian Journal of Pathology, 2016, Vol 8, p46
- ISSN
1918-915X
- Publication type
Article