nm23 Expression in adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tracts

The nm23 gene is a putative metastasis suppressor gene and a few studies have initially shown that reduced expression of the gene is correlated with high metastatic potential in some malignant tumors. Clinical studies have also appeared to show a correlation between reduced nm23 expression and poor prognosis. However, more recent studies have reported conflicting data on the expression or abnormality of the nm23 gene and its relationship to a number of gastrointestinal carcinomas. Some of these discrepancies may be explained by the differences in the antibodies used, the small sample studied, and differences in ethnicity. The exact biochemical function of the nm23 gene and its products is yet to be fully clarified, and this may further complicate the whole issue of the usefulness of examining the nm23 status in specific tumors as a marker of prognosis. This review examines the current literature on the relationship between the nm23 gene and tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, with specific reference to adenocarcinomas of the oesophagus (Barrett's carcinoma), stomach, and colorectum.