MACC1 expression levels as a novel prognostic marker for colorectal cancer

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) is key in promoting tumor proliferation and invasion, and is mediated by the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor. Previous reports have revealed that MACC1 is a novel oncogene that is expressed in various types of gastrointestinal cancer. The present study comprised of 174 patients who underwent curative surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). The correlation between gene expression and clinical parameters of the patients was assessed. It was identified that patients exhibiting high MACC1 expression levels were statistically more susceptible to distant metastases and a poor prognosis, and those exhibiting low MACC1 expression showed improved disease-free and overall survival than those with high expression. Therefore, the present data indicates that MACC1 expression levels may present as a prognostic factor in CRC patients.