Relationship between tissue factor expression and hepatic metastasis and prognosis in rectal cancer.

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.