| Theme |
Inflammation and cancer in the lower GI tract |
| Title |
The mechanism for the acquisition of malignant potential in inflammation associated cancer |
| Author |
Kiichiro Tsuchiya |
Department of Advanced Therapeutics for Gastrointestinal Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) |
| Author |
Keita Fukushima |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) |
| Author |
Shuji Hibiya |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) |
| Author |
Yoshihito Kano |
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto |
| [ Summary ] |
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). CAC often acquires chemoresistance, resulting in poorer prognosis than that of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). The mechanism by which CAC enhances malignant potential remains unknown. In this issue, we focus on whether the pathological characteristics of CAC that result in enrichment of mucinous carcinoma are related to regulation of intestinal differentiation. Deregulation of the stability of proteins including Atoh1 has been shown to be associated with the mucinous form and higher malignant potential of CAC. |