Assessment of serum tryptase and c-Kit expressing cells from colorectal cancer patients who underwent radical surgery

Abstract

Background: Data from experimental tumor models suggest that mast cells accumulate near tumor cells before the onset of angiogenesis and that they are required for the macroscopic expansion and metastatic spread of primary tumor cells. Tryptase, a serin protease stored in mast cell granules, plays a role in tumor angiogenesis. Mast cells can release tryptase following c-Kit receptor activation. The aim of this study was to assess serum tryptase levels in colorectal cancer patients before and after radical resection and to quantify c-Kit expressing cells in primary tumor tissue.