Silencing of E-cadherin expression leads to increased chemosensitivity to irinotecan and oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer cell lines.

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a leading malignant disease in most developed countries. In advanced stages it presents with metastatic dissemination and significant chemoresistance. Despite intensive studies, no convincing evidence has been published concerning the association of cadherins and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a direct cause of acquired chemoresistance in CRC.