Molecular studies have shown that different genetic pathways are involved i
n the history of colorectal carcinomas. This suggests that a correlation ex
ists between the molecular, clinical and pathological features of tumours.
Two large groups can be individualized: the first group is characterized by
allelic losses and hyperdiploidy. These LOH (for loss of heterozygosity) -
positive tumours represent 80% of colorectal carcinomas. Among them more th
an two-thirds are located in the distal colon. They have the worst prognosi
s. The second group has a normal diploid pattern and a phenotypic microsate
llite instability without allelic losses. These tumours represent 10-15% of
all colorectal carcinomas and about 30% of the right-sided tumours. They a
re associated with a better prognosis. In the future, it would perhaps be b
etter to classify colorectal carcinomas according to their molecular featur
es rather than to their topographical localizations. (C) 1999 Lippincott Wi
lliams & Wilkins.