Survivin expression is associated with lymph node metastasis and short survival in patients with colorectal

Haneen Al-Maghrabi1, Zuhoor Al-Mansouri1, Jaudah Al-Maghrabi1,2

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre Jeddah, Saudi Arabi.

Abstract

Insights

Survivin protein expression is linked to poorer outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). This finding suggests survivin may serve as a valuable biomarker for CRC patient management and prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Survivin, an Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) protein, regulates cell death and cell cycle progression.
  • Elevated survivin levels correlate with increased tumor aggression and poor prognosis in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between survivin expression and clinicopathological features in colorectal cancer.
  • To evaluate survivin as a prognostic biomarker in CRC patients.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of survivin expression using immunohistochemistry in 209 primary CRC tumors and 44 adenomas.
  • Semiquantitative scoring of nuclear survivin expression based on percentage and intensity.

Main Results:

  • Survivin expression was detected in 60.8% of CRC samples and 31.8% of adenomas.
  • Positive survivin immunostaining significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.001), lymphovascular invasion (P=0.020), and reduced overall and disease-free survival (P=0.045 and P=0.027, respectively).
  • No association was found between survivin expression and age, gender, tumor location, size, stage, margin status, or recurrence.

Conclusions:

  • Survivin immune expression is a significant indicator of worse prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.
  • Survivin holds potential as a valuable biomarker for disease management and treatment strategies in CRC.

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