Objective:To explore CK 20mRNA expression and its clinical significance in peripheral blood of patients with colorectal carcinoma.Methods: The expression of CK 20mRNA was detected by RT PCR in 34 cases.Results: According to Dukes stage,the positive rates of CK 20mRNA in peripheral blood were 20%(A),37.5%(B),53.3%(C), 83. 3%( D) , respectively.Conclusion:The expression of CK 20mRNA in peripheral blood is related with Dukes stage and is an indicator of blood micrometastasis of colorectal carcinoma.