Several factors have been shown to promote the growth of colorectal cancers. Here, we provide evidence that periostin, a protein with structural and sequence homology with a TGF-beta-inducible gene, beta ig-h3, is upregulated in colorectal cancers and their liver metastasis, and it may play a role in promoting growth in these tumors. In vitro studies reveal that periostin promotes growth and cell proliferation in colorectal cancers and that this effect can be abrogated with antibodies to periostin. Furthermore, exposure of colorectal cancer cells to anti-periostin antibodies activates apoptosis and potentiates the effects of 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. The results demonstrate the growth-promoting properties of periostin, and a possible role of targeting this protein as a therapeutic option in colorectal cancers.