Immunohistochemical expression of IMP3 and Cyclin D1 in colorectal carcinoma and correlation with clinicopathological parameters

Background: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease exhibiting multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations. Several proteins are associated with the development of CRC, including Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)-messenger RNA (mRNA)-binding protein-3 (IMP3) and Cyclin D1. However, it is still controversial whether IMP3 and Cyclin D1 can be considered as progression markers in CRC. Aim: This retrospective study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical expression of IMP3 and Cyclin D1 in relation to different clinicopathological parameters in CRC. Material & Methods: Paraffinized tissues of CRC cases (n=60) were collected from the Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University. We assessed the immunohistochemical expression of IMP3 and Cyclin D1 in relation to the available clinicopathological parameters in CRC. Results: Strong IMP3 expression was significantly associated with high tumor grade, positive lymph node metastasis, lympho-vascular invasion, and advanced tumor stage. High Cyclin D1 expression was significantly associated with high tumor grade, deeper tumor invasion, and advanced tumor stage. A statistically significant relation was observed between IMP3 and Cyclin D1 expression in CRC. Conclusion: The significant association between strong IMP3 and high Cyclin D1 expression with poor prognostic parameters reflects aggressive tumor behavior. Hence, these markers may be considered as progression markers for CRC.