Multivariate Analysis of Molecular Indicators for Postoperative Liver Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer Cases

Aims: To explore the relationship between various molecular makers and liver metastasis of colorectalcancer (CRC).
Method: Using immunohistochemistry, protein expression of CEA, nm23, c-met, MMP2, COX-2, VEGF, EGFR, and CD44 was assessed in 80 CRC cases. The Chi-square test and logistic regression wereperformed to analyze the relationship between these indicators and CRC liver metastasis.
Results: There weresignificant differences in expression of CEA, MMP2, CD44, VEGF and EGFR between the liver metastasis andnon metastasis groups (P < 0.05); no significant differences were noted for nm23, c-met, and COX-2 expression.Logistic regression analysis showed that only CEA, VEGF, and EGFR entered into the regression equation,and had significant correlations with CRC liver metastasis (α inclusion= 0.10, α elimination = 0.15, R2 = 0.718).
Conclusions: Combination detection of CEA, VEGF, and EGFR may be an effective means to predict CRC livermetastasis. Nm23, c-met, MMP2, COX-2, and CD44, in contrast, are not suitable as prognostic markers.