Maspin and Nm23-H1 expression in colorectal cancer

The aim of the study was to analyze the expression of Nm23-H1 and maspin proteins in a series of colorectal adenocarcinoma and to assess their applicability as prognostic factors in this type of cancer. 102 specimens of colorectal carcinoma were analyzed by immunohistochemistry with the use of anti-Nm23-H1 and anti-maspin monoclonal antibodies. Cytoplasmic expression of Nm23-H1 and maspin was found in 90 of all investigated cases. In 60 cases maspin protein was found also in nucleus. Medium/high Nm23-H1 cytoplasmic expression level was associated with tubular type of adenocarcinoma with deeper invasion of cancer into intestinal wall (T3, T4) and presence of vascular invasion. Medium/high expression level of maspin was connected uniformly with bad prognostic features: low differentiation of tumors (G3), deeper invasion of cancer (T3, T4) presence of nodular and distant metastases, higher Astler-Coller stage (C1, C2, D) and presence of vascular invasion. No statistically significant associations between presence of nuclear maspin expression and any clinicopatological and biological features were stated. Cytoplasmic medium/high expression level of maspin but no Nm23-H1 and no presence of maspin nuclear expression was found as independent bad prognostic factor in the investigated group of patients. Measurement of level and cellular pattern of maspin expression could be valuable for predicting disease course in patients suffering from colorectal cancer.