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Decrease of CD44-positive cells correlates with tumor response to chemotherapy in patients with gastrointestinal
Vindhya Palagani1, Mona El Khatib, Till Krech
1Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University Hospital, Otfried Mueller Str. 10, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
Background/Aim:
CD44 is a multistructural and multifunctional cell surface molecule which is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and angiogenesis. Here we investigated the potential role of CD44 in patients with metastasized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, colorectal and stomach cancer, which were treated with different combinations of palliative chemotherapy.
Patients And Methods:
CD44 expression was measured by flow cytometry in patients' (n=15) blood samples and the findings were correlated with CA19-9 expression and with computed tomography results.
Results:
We found a significant correlation (p<0.05) between the CD44 decrease and the tumor response according to the tumor marker elevation/ response evaluation criteria in solid tumors.
Conclusion:
We were able to monitor changes of CD44 expression after chemotherapy and detected a correlation between the CD44 decrease and the patients' response to treatment. Our findings show that CD44 detection helps to monitor chemotherapy response in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Insights
CD44 expression monitoring can indicate chemotherapy effectiveness in gastrointestinal cancers. A decrease in CD44 levels correlates with positive patient response to treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- CD44 is a key cell surface molecule regulating proliferation, differentiation, migration, and angiogenesis.
- Its role in metastasized pancreatic, colorectal, and stomach cancers under palliative chemotherapy requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of CD44 in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancers undergoing palliative chemotherapy.
- To assess if CD44 expression can serve as a biomarker for treatment response.
Main Methods:
- CD44 expression was quantified using flow cytometry in blood samples from 15 patients.
- Correlations were analyzed between CD44 levels, CA19-9, and computed tomography findings.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation (p<0.05) was observed between decreased CD44 expression and tumor response.
- This correlation was assessed using tumor marker elevation and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST).
Conclusions:
- Changes in CD44 expression can be monitored during chemotherapy.
- A decrease in CD44 levels is linked to a positive patient response to treatment.
- CD44 detection is a valuable tool for monitoring chemotherapy response in gastrointestinal cancer patients.
