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Characterisation of colorectal cancer by hierarchical clustering analyses for five stroma-related markers

  • 0Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.
The Journal of Pathology. Clinical Research +

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June 19, 2024

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June 19, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stroma, particularly decorin (DCN) and podoplanin (PDPN) expression, impacts patient survival. Identifying DCN-high or PDPN-dominant tumors can predict CRC prognosis and guide potential therapies.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Immunology

Background

  • Tumor stroma plays a crucial role in supporting colorectal cancer (CRC) growth.
  • Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and extracellular matrix proteins like collagen are key stromal components.
  • Understanding stromal characteristics is vital for predicting CRC progression and treatment response.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the expression of CAF-related markers (decorin, fibroblast activation protein, podoplanin, alpha-smooth muscle actin) and collagen in CRC.
  • To analyze the association between these stromal markers, clinicopathological features, and patient survival outcomes.
  • To identify distinct patient subgroups based on stromal marker expression for prognostic stratification.

Main Methods

  • Immunohistochemistry and Sirius red staining were employed to assess CAF and collagen characteristics.
  • Expression levels of decorin (DCN), fibroblast activation protein (FAP), podoplanin (PDPN), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) were analyzed.
  • Hierarchical clustering and Cox proportional hazards models were used to correlate stromal markers with patient survival and clinicopathological data.

Main Results

  • High decorin (DCN) expression was significantly associated with a worse 5-year survival rate in CRC patients.
  • Hierarchical clustering identified three distinct stromal groups (solid, PDPN-dominant, DCN-dominant) with varying survival outcomes.
  • The PDPN-dominant group showed a favorable prognosis compared to the DCN-dominant group, which was linked to advanced pT stage and reduced immune cell infiltration (CD8+, FOXP3+).

Conclusions

  • Immunohistochemistry and clustering analysis of five stromal factors can effectively prognosticate CRC patient outcomes.
  • Decorin (DCN) and podoplanin (PDPN) expression patterns are significant indicators of CRC prognosis.
  • Targeting cancer stroma represents a promising therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer patients.

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