The significance of thymidine phosphorylase expression in colorectal cancer

We measured thymidine phosphorylase activity in colorectal cancer tissue and conducted immunostaining to investigate enzyme expression in the tumor tissue. The results showed a correlation between staining ratio of thymidine phosphorylase and cancer progression as well as a correlation between enzyme activity and staining ratios of cancer cells and stromal cells. Since enzyme activity levels can be judged by staining ratios, this method may be useful for assessing cancer malignancy.