J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.
ISSN 1880-1129

[Abstract] [Full Text PDF] （in Japanese / 3464KB） [Members Only And Two Factor Auth.]

J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 102(5): 370-375, 2001

Feature topic

GENETIC CHANGES IN LIVER METASTASIS OF COLORECTAL CANCER AND THEIR CLINICAL APPLICATION

First Department of Surgery, Fukui Medical University, Fukui, Japan

Akio Yamaguchi

It has been confirmed that several genes are involved in each step of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. This article reviews recent highlights in this field. The expression of c-erbB2 or Rho protein in colorectal cancer tissues correlates closely with liver metastasis. Suppressor genes such as nm23, DCC, and DPC4 may play a role in the suppression of liver metastasis. On the other hand, the E-cadherin-catenin system, carbohydrate chains, selectin, and variant CD44 are known to play an important role in cells migration from the primary lesion, the adhesion of tumor cells to endothelial cells, and cell motility. These adhesion molecules may be a biological marker of liver metastasis. In addition, treatment targeting these genes will be a potent therapy for liver metastasis in the future.

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