Klin Onkol 2006; 19(Suppl2): 382-388.
Summary
DNA microarray technology is currently the most effective and widespread technique used for gene expression studies. Over the last years the number of reports related to this technology exponentially increases and possibilities of DNA microarrays usage markedly drifted from basic to clinical research. DNA microarrays were used in more than sixty studies focused on colorectal cancer during last five years. This reports show efficiency of this technology to distinguish tumor from normal colonic tissue and classify tumors in order to their pathological grade, anatomic localization and microsatellite status. Subsequent papers demonstrate abilities of gene expression profiles to determinate molecular signature of metastatic disease in primary tumors and predict therapy response and disease prognosis.
However, comparability and reproducibility of studies based on DNA microarrays are notably affected by their technological diversity. Anyway, we found several genes (potential markers of colorectal carcinogenesis) with altered expression in tumors identified by two or more independent studies. Promising results were reached by gene expression profiles in prediction of colorectal cancer prognosis. DNA microarrays showed good analytical ability also in therapy response prediction. Clinical application of gene expression profiles will be the important advance leading to individualized therapy and dispensarization of patients with colorectal cancer.
