Detection, Role and Prognostic Value of Cancer-associated Fibroblasts in Colorectal Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Tumor Microenvironment

Background:

• Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial mesenchymal cells within the tumor stroma, significantly influencing tumor progression in various cancers, including colorectal cancer.
• While several CAF markers exist, none possess absolute specificity, necessitating further investigation into their roles and diagnostic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression and correlation of specific CAF markers (αSMA, POD, FAP, PDGFRα, PDGFRβ) in different zones of colorectal adenocarcinomas.
• To determine the relationship between CAF marker expression levels and clinicopathological features, specifically tumor invasion depth and lymph node metastasis.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemistry was employed to analyze the expression of five CAF markers: αSMA, POD, FAP, PDGFRα, and PDGFRβ.
• Samples from 49 colorectal adenocarcinomas were categorized into three zones: apical, central, and invasive edge.
• Statistical analysis was performed to correlate marker expression with tumor invasion (T3-T4) and lymph node metastasis.

Main Results:

• High expression of PDGFRβ and PDGFRα in the apical zone correlated significantly with deeper tumor invasion (T3-T4).
• Elevated levels of αSMA (apical and central zones), POD (apical and central zones), and PDGFRβ (apical zone) were reliably associated with the presence of lymph node metastasis.
• Inner αSMA expression was significantly linked to regional lymph node metastasis, more so than mixed CAF markers or inner POD expression.

Conclusions:

• The expression levels of specific CAF markers (PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, αSMA, POD) in different tumor zones show a significant correlation with colorectal cancer invasion depth and metastasis.
• These findings highlight the potential clinical utility of these CAF markers in predicting patient outcomes and guiding treatment strategies.