Objective:To investigate the role of the expression of E-cadherin(E-Cad) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2(TIMP-2) in carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal cancer(CRC).Methods:The E-Cad and TIMP-2 expressions were studied immun ohistochemistrically in 30 specimens of colorectal adenoma and 60 specimens of CRC.Results:The expression rates of E-Cad were 87.10% in colorectal adenoma and 55.00% in CRC, the former was apparently higher than that of the later (P0.05);The significant relationship was observed between low TIMP-2 expression and Dukes stage, metastasis of lymph node and distant organs and poor prognosis.Conclusion:The detection of expression about E-Cad and TIMP-2 may be helpful to judge the malignant behavior and metastasis and prognosis with colorectal carcinoma,furthermore the expression of TIMP-2 may be used to know prognosis of patients.