Clinical significance of N-Cadherin, E-Cadherin expression in rectal carcinoma

Objective: To discuss expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin in rectal cancer and their relationship with clinical and pathological factors. Methods: Expression of N-cadherin and E-cadherin in 86 rectal cancer samples and normal rectal tissues was studied by immunohistochemical stain. Results: Both E-cadherin and N-cadherin expression were positive in 39 (45%) patients and negative in 47 (55%) patients. The positive rate of N-cadherin or negative rate of E-cadherin was positively related to the malignant degree, stage, invasion, metastasis and prognosis of the cancer .There was prominent significance (P 0.01) between the two groups; N-cadherin was not expressed in normal 86 rectal tissues, while E-cadherin was highly expressed. Conclusion: The abnormal expression of N-cadherin and low-level or non-expression of E-cadherin is an important factor for the invasion and metastasis of rectal cancer, it influences the 5-year survival rate. N and E -cadherin may act as indicators to the malignant degree and the prognosis of the rectal cancer.