Expression of estrogen receptor β1 in colorectal cancer: correlation with clinicopathological variables

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy in both genders with a high death rate, accounting for about 56,000 each year in the USA only. In this study we examined the differences in CRC between the genders. We also looked for differences in the staining of the tumors and adjacent colonic mucosa to estrogen receptor β1 and its possible prognostic value. Fifty-five specimens from patients who underwent resection of colon cancer in our institute were sectioned and stained for estrogen receptor β1. The histopathological slides were evaluated for positive staining in the tumor and the normal colonic mucosa as well. The results were statistically analyzed. Positive estrogen receptor β1 stain was found in the nuclei of the tumor cells. We noted positive stain also in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. Similar findings were observed in the normal colonic mucosa. Statistically significant differences were found regarding the positivity of the staining between the deceased and surviving patients, men/women and those who had metastases vs. the non-metastatic ones. Our data suggest that there is an estrogen influence on the development and progression of colon cancer. Furthermore, it was found to be higher in the more severe cases.