Egyptian scientists have found in an analysis of colorectal cancer that recurrences (relapses) and metastases, increase the risk of premature death. For this evidence, they used immunohistochemical expression patterns of so-called cancer stem cell markers, which appear to be the primary cause of recurrences and distant metastasis. Cancer stem cells are tumor stem cells that, as a subpopulation, may be responsible for tumor growth. In particular, two of the four colorectal cancer stem cell markers such as ALDH1 (aldehyde dehydrogenase-1) and CD133 were investigated, which may provide information about prognosis in colorectal cancer sufferers.
According to the researchers, certain cancer stem cell markers are required to predict poor prognosis, i.e. rapid progression of malignant disease, and early death. Among the patients studied in the trial, CD133 and ALDH1 markers were particularly significant. Resistance to certain chemotherapeutic agents and an increase in invasive and metastatic cells from colorectal cancer sufferers lead to a shortened lifespan in these individuals. In the study, 299 patients at different stages of colorectal cancer were investigated.
Increased ALDH1 expression was detected with antibodies in surgically removed colorectal cancer specimens, and in more than 50 percent of cases was associated with rapid disease progression. Conversely, a high expression of these markers means that the affected person is usually in an advanced stage.
Also, tumor invasion, which is the migration of cancer cells into adjacent tissues, was increased, as was metastasis, when cancer cells detach from the original tumor and form distant metastases. However, increased lymph node involvement could not be observed.
The scientists‘ conclusion, however, is that colorectal cancer stem cell markers are important independent factors that determine targeted therapy and prognosis. Therefore, to regulate the progression of the disease, the therapeutic approach is crucial.
Source: www.aerzteblatt.de