Comparative expression of breast cancer 1 tumor suppressor protein in cancerous and healthy colorectal specimens

Abstract

Background: Various tumor suppressor genes play a role in colorectal cancer; the role of breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) tumor suppressor gene is of the utmost importance among them. The biological performance of breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) in cancer has been recognized and its prognostic significance has been verified in colorectal cancer; decrease in the expression of this protein in cancer indicates a poor prognosis for patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate BRCA1 protein expression in cancerous colorectal specimens compared to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor using immunohistochemistry method. Methods: A total of 50 cancerous colorectal and 50 healthy specimens were collected. The expression of BRCA1 protein was evaluated upon paraffin sections through immunohistochemistry method. Findings: The findings of the current study showed that the level of BRCA1 protein expression significantly decreased in cancerous specimens compared to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor (P = 0.026). Conclusion: The expression of BRCA1 could be used as an appropriate biological marker in the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer. © 2016, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.