PGF isoforms, PLGF-1 and PGF-2, in colorectal cancer and the prognostic significance.

AIM This study examined the expression of PLGF-1 and PGF-2 in human colorectal cancer and how changes in expression may be linked to prognosis of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of PLGF transcripts in primary colorectal tumours (n=94) and background tissue (n=80) were analysed by Q-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was carried out on a number of matched background and tumour sections. RESULTS There was a progressive increase in Dukes A to C (430+/-134 versus 674+/-2680) and with TNM 1 to 3 as compared to background tissues (479+/-152 versus 777+/-327 p=0.032). Interestingly, there was an increase in PLGF-1 expression in patients with poor outcome compared with patients remaining disease-free. PGF-2 expression was significantly elevated in tumours compared to normal (4558+/-240 versus 859+/-67.3 p<0.0001). Moreover, expression was increased in patients with poor prognosis compared to those remaining disease free (4585+/-285 versus 3909+/-446). CONCLUSION There is increased expression of the PLGF isoforms in human colorectal cancer.