Increase of beta1,6-branched
oligosaccharides is possibly associated with
tumor progression and
lymph node metastasis. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of beta1,6 branches in human
colorectal carcinoma. Expression of beta1,6 branches was histochemically evaluated using the leukoagglutinating
Phaseolus vulgaris lectin,
PHA-L, in 92 clinically documented
colorectal carcinomas, of which 31 had formed
lymph node metastases. The follow-up time ranged between 4 and 14 years (median, 10.3 years). A
PHA-L staining index (SI), taking into account staining intensity and its percentage of
tumor cut surface area, was established. The
carcinoma SI was highly associated with the disease-free survival (P = 0.004) and overall survival (P = 0.005). Patients with a
carcinoma SI of >1, as compared to those with a SI of < or =1, were at significantly higher risk for
tumor recurrence, with a shorter disease-free survival (hazard ratio = 2.59, P = 0.005) and significant higher risk of death with shorter overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.51, P = 0.007). The
carcinoma SI was also associated with the presence of
lymph node metastases. We conclude that
PHA-L staining in human
colorectal carcinoma sections provides an independent prognostic
indicator for
tumor recurrence and patient survival and is associated with the presence of
lymph node metastases.