The expression of multiple proteins as prognostic factors in colorectal cancer: cathepsin D, p53, COX-2, epidermal growth factor receptor, C-erbB-2, and Ki-67.

Background/aims: A single gene mutation alone cannot explain the poor prognosis of colorectal cancer. This study aimed to establish a correlation between the expression of six proteins and the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients.

Methods: Tissue samples were collected from 266 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at our institution from January 2006 to December 2007.