Prognostic factors of colon cancer from a molecular biology standpoint

It has been reported that several genes may be good indicators for determining biological behavior, including the prognosis, of colorectal cancers. We have summarized these reported genes, such as tumor suppressor gene, oncogenes, metastasis suppressor gene, adhesion molecules, growth factors, proteinases, and others, including microsatellite instability. Some of the genes such as p53. DCC, c-met, or matrix metalloproteinase are considered to be reliable for determining biological aggressiveness. We introduced several interesting genes which we are focusing using cDNA subtraction library analysis.We hope that these genes are well combined for best analysis of the biological behavior of colorectal cancers and use for practical clinical analysis. In addition, we hope that novel important genes indicative for prognosis will be found.