Background/aims: We analyzed integrin alpha v and c-erbB2 expression and DNA ploidy in primary tumors and pulmonary metastases from colorectal carcinoma.
Methodology: Fifty primary tumors and 21 lung metastases were examined for immunohistochemical detection of integrin alpha v, c-erbB2 and DNA ploidy.
Results: In integrin alpha v-positive tumors, integrin alpha v was strongly recognized in the cytoplasm of colorectal carcinoma. In total cases, in a multivariate model using logistic stepwise regression analysis, venous invasion was significantly and independently related to lung metastasis in patients who underwent curative resection. Integrin alpha v, c-erbB2 and DNA ploidy in primary tumors were not predictable for lung metastasis. On the other hand, in the 21 patients with lung metastases, integrin alpha v overexpression was identified in 52.4% (11/21) of primary tumors and in 85.7% (18/21) of lung metastases, respectively. The positive ratio was significantly higher in lung metastases than in primary tumors (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between primary tumors and lung metastases in DNA ploidy or c-erbB2 expression.
Conclusions: Integrin alpha v might be one of the important signals for formation of lung metastases from colorectal cancer as a late event.