Asynchronous distant metastasis in radically resected colorectal cancer - An investigation of risk factors

In order to specify the risk factors of asynchronous distant metastasis in colorectal cancer, we examined both tumor-side factors and perioperative host immunity in curatively operated patients. Results indicated that the intensity of SLX expression predicts metastasis precisely. The tumor expressing low levels of SLX, had a significantly longer period free from distant metastasis. On the other hand, the preoperative NK cell activity was an important factor to predict metastasis. It was suggested that mucin-like carbohydrate antigens may reflect the biological behavior of colorectal cancer, and that the host's immunity-associated tumor killing is an important factor in the development of asynchronous distant metastasis.