2005 Volume 51 Issue 4 Pages 534-539
Objective: We examined the DNA copy number profiles of colorectal cancer (CRC) by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) in order to identify the gene related to lymph node metastasis. Materials: We reviewed 46 CRC patients who underwent surgical resection at our department between April 2003 and December 2004. Of those patients, 30 patients showed lymph node metastasis and 16 patients were without lymph node metastasis. Method: We extracted chromosomal DNA, by microdissection, from primary carcinomas that had been surgically removed then immediately frozen. We then compared the DNA copy number profiles between two groups. Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) in copy number gains between patients with lymph node metastasis and patients without lymph node metastasis were found at 8p23, 8p22, 16q23 (without>with lymph node metastasis) and 5p12 (with>without lymph node metastasis). Significant difference in copy number losses was found at 5q13 (with>without lymph node metastasis). Conclusions: There is a possibility that a gene related to lymph node metastasis exists in CRC patients and involves 5p12, 8p23, 8p22, 16g23, 5q13.
