Thymidylate Synthase and Colorectal Cancer Response to 5FU
Author Information
Author(s): Wong N A C S, Brett L, Stewart M, Leitch A, Longley D B, Dunlop M G, Johnston P G, Lessells A M, Jodrell D I
Primary Institution: Department of Pathology, University of Edinburgh Medical School
Hypothesis
The study investigates the relationship between nuclear thymidylate synthase expression and response to 5-fluorouracil in colorectal carcinoma.
Conclusion
Higher nuclear expression of thymidylate synthase is associated with poorer response to 5-fluorouracil therapy in colorectal carcinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- Stronger nuclear thymidylate synthase expression was linked to more mucin production in colorectal cancer.
- Higher thymidylate synthase expression was associated with a worse response to 5-fluorouracil therapy.
- Metastatic colorectal cancer generally showed higher thymidylate synthase expression than matched primary tumors.
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called thymidylate synthase in colorectal cancer cells can affect how well patients respond to a certain cancer treatment.
Methodology
Immunohistochemical analysis of thymidylate synthase expression in 52 primary colorectal carcinoma cases and 24 matched metastatic cases.
Participant Demographics
52 cases of primary colorectal carcinoma and 24 cases of matched metastatic carcinoma.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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