KISS1 and KISS1R expression in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Kisspeptins are produced by the KISS1 gene and have tumor-suppressing and anti-metastatic properties. Our aim was to study the expression of KISS1 and its receptor, KISS1R, in colorectal cancer. METHODS: KISS1 and KISS1R expression was detected using immunohistochemistry in malignant tissue samples from 66 patients (34 men, 32 women) with colorectal adenocarcinoma. In total, 74 tumor samples were studied, 57 samples from primary tumors and 17 samples from liver metastases. KISS1 and KISS1R levels were associated with various clinicopathological parameters and survival data. RESULTS: KISS1 expression was higher in primary tumors with advanced stage (III or IV) and in those with infiltrated lymph nodes. KISS1R expression was higher in primary tumors with distant metastases. No significant differences were detected between primary and metastatic tumors regarding KISS1 and KISS1R levels. Furthermore, patients with high KISS1R levels had longer overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: KISS1 and KISS1R expression is higher in advanced colorectal cancers and high KISS1R levels are associated with better prognosis in colorectal cancer.