EZH2 and MMP1 Overexpression in Colorectal Cancer: Correlation with Tumor Aggressiveness and Clinicopathologic Features.

BACKGROUND &

OBJECTIVE

One of the most lethal as well as prevalent malignancies across the globe is colorectal cancer (CRC). MMP1, a certain type of matrix metalloproteinase, as well as EZH2, a histone methyltransferase, are gaining attention for their part in metastasis and tumor progression. This research analyses the expression of immunohistochemistry EZH2 and MMP1 in relation to colorectal carcinoma, and how these two proteins correlate with other clinicopathological features.

METHODS

An analysis was done retrospectively on 38 cases of colorectal cancer, which were formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded. MMP1 and EZH2 staining were assessed immunohistochemically and correlated with the tumor's stage, lymph nodes, clinical stage, and prognosis. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS version16.0 and a level of significance of p <0.05.

RESULTS

Markedly increased expression of EZH2 and MMP1 had notable correlation with advanced T stage (p =0.01 and0.03) along with metastasis to the regional lymph nodes (p =0.027) and clinical stages III or IV (p =0.04 for EZH2 and p =0.023 for MMP1). Although both markers demonstrated a trend for decreased disease-free survival (DFS), neither achieved statistical significance for DFS or overall survival (OS).

CONCLUSION

EZH2 and MMP1 overexpression were associated with aggressive clinicopathologic features (higher T stage, nodal involvement, and advanced clinical stage). However, neither marker showed a statistically significant association with overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) in this cohort. Larger, adequately powered studies are required to clarify any potential prognostic value.