PROLIFERATING CELL NUCLEAR ANTIGEN (PCNA) AS A PROGNOSTIC FACTOR FOR COLORECTAL-CANCER

PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) is a cell cycle related prot ein that is maximally elevated in late G1 and S-phase of proliferating cells. 114 biopsy specimens of colorectal cancer were immunolabeled w ith PC 10 which specifically recognizes PCNA; Dukes' staging and histo logical grading were estimated for each case. All patients were follow ed-up for at least 60 months or to death. All data were analysed by th e computer program NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System). Accordin g to the results, PCNA-index may be considered an independent prognost ic factor for colorectal cancer; it may also be helpful in supporting the therapeutic strategies based only on Dukes' stage.