查看文章

Background and Aim:  Endocrine differentiation in colorectal adenocarcinoma has been reported but its significance as a prognostic marker remains uncertain. The aim of the present study was to analyze the prognostic significance of endocrine differentiation in colorectal cancer.

Methods:  The presence of endocrine cells (EC) was determined in 137 colorectal cancers using light and electron immunohistochemistry and the immunogold method with chromogranin A, serotonin and synaptophysin. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in tumor biopsies was also analyzed applying anti‐VEGF antibodies.

Results:  EC labeled with at least one of the studied markers were detected in 47 (34.3%) primary colorectal cancers (30% chromogranin A‐positive, 33% synaptophysin‐positive and 18% serotonin‐positive). In 23% of tumor biopsies, VEGF‐positive EC were also detected. The immunostaining on …