In order to determine whether MRE11 status predicts DFS, OS, or response to IFL, we analyzed MRE11 status in 625 tumor samples from patients in the CALGB 89803 clinical trial, both overall and by treatment with FU/LV therapy with or without irinotecan, while accounting for potential relationships with other patient characteristics including MMR. The gene discussed is MRE11; the disease is neoplasm.