Two-marker protein profile predicts poor prognosis in early rectal cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Zlobec I, Baker K, Terracciano L, Peter S, Degen L, Beglinger C, Lugli A
Primary Institution: Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Hypothesis
The study aims to establish an immunohistochemical protein profile to identify rectal cancer patients at high risk of adverse outcomes.
Conclusion
The combined immunohistochemical profile of RHAMM and CD8+ TILs can identify early stage rectal cancer patients facing a particularly poor prognosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Positive RHAMM and loss of CD8+ TILs were independent prognostic factors.
- The 5-year cancer-specific survival rate for RHAMM+/TIL− patients was 30% compared to 76% for RHAMM−/TIL+ patients.
- Loss of CD8+ TILs was predictive of local recurrence in RHAMM+ tumours.
Takeaway
Doctors can use two specific markers to tell which early rectal cancer patients might have a harder time and need extra help.
Methodology
Immunohistochemistry was performed on a tissue microarray including 482 rectal cancers for various protein markers, followed by multivariable analysis.
Potential Biases
The retrospective nature of the study may introduce selection bias.
Limitations
The study did not analyze preoperative biopsies and was conducted on patients treated before the current standard of care.
Participant Demographics
The mean age at diagnosis was 68.7 years, with a gender distribution of 52.1% male and 47.9% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 21–40%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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