Tumor regression grades, K-RAS mutational profile and c-MET in colorectal liver metastases

Abstract

Introduction Recently TRG, necrosis grade and the rate of viable cancer cells of colorectal liver metastases were correlated with the response to chemotherapy treatments, whereas K-RAS mutations and c-MET over-expression were correlated with the prognosis. Methods 58 resection specimens were assessed for regression grades. Patients undergone neo-adjuvant treatments were compared to patients who underwent therapy exclusively adjuvantly. We investigated the K-RAS mutational profile, the c-MET over-expression along with patients’ survivals curves. Results Patients undergone neo-adjuvant treatment presented significant higher fibrosis rates and lower rates of viable cells. 36.7% of the patients had a K-RAS mutation and the 26.7% presented c-MET over-expression, but these features did not correlate with patients’ clinical/pathological data. Survival analysis documented that K-RAS WT patients presenting c-MET over-expression had worse outcomes. Conclusion Fibrosis and the rate of viable cells significantly correlate with the response to chemotherapy treatments. c-MET is a promising marker in K-RAS WT patients.