Abstract-Decreased intracellular SOD protein levels and activity have been related with malignancy in the past. To investigate their relevance in the carcinogenetic process in the colon, we determined quantitatively CuZn-SOD and Mn-SOD levels and total SOD activity by histochemical means in human normal colorectal mucosa, adenomas, and carcinomas. Protein levels and activity were significantly decreased in carcinomas. CuZn-SOD protein levels, but not Mn-SOD levels or total SOD activity were related with differentiation grade and to a lesser extent with Dukes stage. Moderately differentiated carcinomas and Dukes stage A carcinomas showed lowest levels. Some carcinomas expressed elevated levels of CuZn-SOD and this was an indication of poor survival. It is concluded that decreased SOD expression is not a prognostic marker and seems to be a secondary phenomenon rather than directly linked with the carcinogenetic process. ᭧ 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.

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Prognosis of colorectal cancer patients that show similar histopathology may vary substantially. An attempt was made to improve prognosis by the self‐learning classification program CLASSIF1, based on automated multiparameter analysis of quantitative histochemical and clinical parameters of 64 colorectal carcinomas and adjacent normal mucosae. The histochemical parameters applied were the oxygen‐insensitivity assay of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity, a valid discriminator between normal and cancerous mucosae, and related parameters CuZn‐ and Mn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) capacity. Data were processed on the basis of a postoperative follow‐up of minimally 32 and maximally 56 months. CLASSIF1 selected the parameters oxygen insensitivity of G6PDH activity, CuZn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD levels, LPO capacity, lymph node metastasis, Dukes' stage, and age for the highest prognostic value. On the basis of these selected parameters, CLASSIF1 correctly predicted favorable outcome in 100% of the surviving patients and fatal outcome in 64% of the deceased patients. G6PDH activity appeared to be the major information carrier for CLASSIF1. On the basis of G6PDH activity parameters alone, 96% of the surviving patients and 55% of the deceased patients were correctly classified. In comparison, estimation of prognosis on the basis of Dukes' stage alone resulted in 71% correctly classified surviving patients and 61% of patients who died. It is concluded that the self‐learning classification program CLASSIF1, on the basis of quantitative histochemical and clinical parameters, is the best prognostic estimator for colon cancer patients yet available. Cytometry (Comm. Clin. Cytometry) 38:176–183, 1999.  © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.