[Immunohistochemical study of E-cadherin, beta-catenin and CD-44v6 expression in the cells of primary colon cancer and its metastases].

129 primary colon carcinomas, 35 metastases to the lymph nodes and 92 metastases to the liver are studied. Reduction or complete absence of E-cadherin was more frequently observed in cases with liver metastases (64/ 84 - 76%) than in patients without metastases (14/45 - 31%) (p = 0,014). Also, beta-catenin expression was more frequent in cases with metastases. These results of E-cadherin and beta-caterin expression, changes may be considered as factors of unfavourable prognosis. No links between CD44v6 expression and metastases was found.