ERK signaling in colorectal cancer: A preliminary report on the expression of phosphorylated ERK and the effects of radiation therapy

作者：Corn Benjamin W^*; Kovner Felix; Bek Stella; Wexler Isaiah; Lischits Beatrice; Seger Rony

来源：American Journal of Clinical Oncology: Cancer Clinical Trials , 2008, 31(3): 255-258.

DOI：10.1097/COC.0b013e31815a5647

• colorectal cancer
• ERK
• radiation therapy
• MAPK

Objectives: Phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activates cell survival pathways and may promote tumor cell proliferation. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of phospho-ERK staining in pretreatment specimens, and the effect of a short course of radiation therapy (RT) on the levels of phospho-ERK in specimens of colorectal cancer.
Methods: Specimens of colorectal tumors were obtained from patients beginning RT before surgery. Tumors were graded and histologically staged. Subsequently, tumor samples were reacted with antiphospho-ERK antibodies and the level of staining intensity was assessed.
Results: Of the 12 subjects evaluated, 7 of 12 had tumors that positively stained for phospho-ERK before and/or after RT. Most patients who were phospho-ERK positive before RT converted to ERK negativity after RT.
Conclusions: The results of this pilot study indicate that phospho-ERK levels may serve as a prognostic marker in colorectal cancer, and further studies are warranted to determine how changes in phospho-ERK staining relate to clinical outcome.

• 出版日期2008-6