KAI1/CD82 expression as a prognosic factor in sporadic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Since its identification as a suppressor gene for prostate cancer metastasis, down-regulation of KAI1/CD82 in a variety of malignancies has been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry, we examined KAI1/CD82 expression in surgical specimens obtained from 70 patients with advanced colorectal cancer and its correlation with clinicopathological factors, to clarify their prognostic significance. RESULTS: KAI1/CD82 expression was positive in 55% of the 70 colorectal cancers. There were statistically significant correlations between KAI1/CD82 expression and Dukes' stage, venous invasion, lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation and liver metastasis. The significant correlation between KAI1/CD82 expression and outcome among patients with Dukes' C cancer (p=0.024) is particularly noteworthy. On multivariate analysis, KAI1/CD82 expression and Dukes' stage were identified as significant and independent prognostic factors (p=0.006 and 0.045, respectively). CONCLUSION: KAI1/CD82 expression closely correlates with clinicopathological factors for colorectal cancers. KAI1/CD82 expression appears to be a useful prognostic marker.