Association between the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers and oncologic outcomes of colorectal cancer

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) that confers metastatic capabilities to cancer cells. The present study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression and impact of EMT markers, including E-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, and SMAD4, on the oncologic outcomes of CRC.

This was a retrospective review of 118 CRC patients. Tissue slides were retrieved from the slide archive and five tissue microarray construction blocks were constructed. IHC for E-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, and SMAD4 was done. The main outcome was the association between abnormal marker expression and overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS).

Adenocarcinomas accounted for 71.2% of tumors, whereas 25.4% and 3.4% were mucinous and signet ring cell carcinomas. The rates of lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion were 72.9% and 20.3%, respectively. There was a positive, significant correlation, and association between the four markers. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was associated with significantly lower OS (p < 0.0001) and similar DFS (p = 0.06). Abnormal Vimentin expression was associated with a significantly higher rate of distant metastasis (p = 0.005) and significantly lower OS and DFS (p < 0.0001). Abnormal expression of β-catenin was associated with significantly lower OS (p < 0.0001) and similar DFS (p = 0.15). Abnormal expression of SMAD4 was associated with significantly lower OS and DFS (p < 0.0001). Abnormal expression of all four markers was associated with a higher disease recurrence, lower OS, and lower DFS.

Abnormal expression of each marker was associated with lower OS, whereas abnormal expression of Vimentin and SMAD4 only was associated with lower DFS.