Expression of growth factor receptors is not a prognostic indicator in young patients with colorectal cancer

Growth factor receptor expression has been shown to be of prognostic significance in certain cancers, but its relevance in young patients with colorectal cancer is unknown. The aim of this study, therefore, is to determine the prognostic relevance of growth factor receptor expression [c-erbB-2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforming growth factor beta receptor (TGF beta R)] in such patients. Ninety-two patients were evaluated. They were staged using the Jass staging system and the presence of metastases. The expression of EGFR and TGF beta R and the protein production of c-erbB-2 were detected using standard immunohistochemical techniques. The expression of EGFR and TGF beta R and the presence of the c-erbB-2 protein product were not identified as independent prognostic factors for survival. Furthermore, their expression did not correlate with established prognostic indicators such as Jass staging, the presence of extramural vascular invasion and the degree of tumour differentiation.