Objective: To investigate the correlation between tissue factor (TF) expression and hepatic metastasis and prognosis in rectal cancer.
Methods: TF expression was retrospectively studied by immunohistochemical method in specimens of 40 rectal cancer, 3 hepatic metastasis and 6 benign adenoma with relation to their clinicopathologic data.
Results: 1. TF expression was detected in 20 (50%) of the 40 primary rectal cancer specimens and all the 3 hepatic metastatic specimens, but not in the 6 benign adenoma or normal mucosa of rectum, 2. Significant correlation was observed between TF expression and synchronic hepatic metastasis (P = 0.002) and heterochronic hepatic metastasis (P = 0.001) and 3. TF was a risk factor for the prognosis of primary rectal cancer (P = 0.024).
Conclusion: Tissue factor expression may play a role in the process of developing hepatic metastasis. It may be considered as a new clinical indicator for monitor of hepatic metastasis and prognosis of primary rectal cancer.