CD10 Expression in Colorectal Adenoma and Carcinoma and Its Association with the Pathological Prognostic Factors

Since early detection increases survival rates, colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a major concern for researchers. CD10 is a cell membrane-bound metalloproteinase involved in carcinogenesis. Studies have associated it with the progression of CRC to advanced stages, metastasis, and venous invasions. We aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of CD10 in the tumor and stromal cells of colorectal adenoma and CRC and its correlation with the pathological prognostic factors.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on radical resection specimens of CRC and polypectomy specimens of the colorectal adenomas received for routine histopathological evaluation in the Department of Pathology, Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, Bengaluru, from March 2021 to October 2022. Tumor morphology was examined by light microscopy, and CD10 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Descriptive statistics in terms of percentage and Chi-square test/ Fisher exact tests were used for the statistical analysis.

The study includes 46 cases of adenomas and CRCs each. Stromal CD10 expression was significantly higher in the carcinomas (63.4%) than in the adenomas (41.3%). Proliferative CRCs showed a significantly higher tumoral CD10 expression. The increase in the stromal CD10 expression in CRCs with increasing grades was found to be statistically significant. No significant association was seen between CD10 expression and other factors.

The results indicate a potential role of CD10 in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. The significant increase in proliferating and high-grade CRCs suggests that CD10 could prove to be a potential biomarker for aggressiveness and also a therapeutic target in CRCs.