RETINOBLASTOMA (PRB) PROTEIN IMMUNOEXPRESSION IN COLORECTAL-CANCER

The level of expression of the cell cycle regulatory proteins is an im portant facet in determining the malignant state. Fifty consecutive co lectomy, specimens of colorectal carcinoma in patients over 50 yeats o f age, and 25 cases in patients under 30 years, were examined to ascer tain retinoblastoma protein expression and to relate this to clinicopa thological features. Retinoblastoma protein (pRb) staining was more in tense in well differentiated low stage carcinomas in the over 50 age g roup (p<0.001). On the other hand in the under 30 age group, pRb stain ing was seen in all tumour grades and stages. No statistical significa nce was noted with other clinical or pathological features in both age groups.