Combined expression of fascin-1 and MAP17 in colorectal cancer: A group of patients in high risk

Abstract

Abstract Objective Fascin and MAP17 are two well-known stem cell markers that have been previously shown to be associated with aggresive clinical features in cancer. This study aimed to assess their expression patterns and clinical significance in colorectal cancer. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of fascin-1 and MAP17 in 111 specimens from patients with primary resectable colorectal cancer. Results were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and survival data. Results Fascin-1 and MAP17 expression levels were associated with progressive anatomic disease extent (p=0.005), higher T classification (p=0.033), lymph node metastasis (p=0.002), high grade tumors (p=0.002), and vascular invasion (p=0.021). All patients with combined high fascin-1 and MAP17 expression died within 46 months after surgery, whereas patients with low fascin-1 and MAP17 expression had an excellent 5-year overall survival rate of 92.8% (95% CI: 83–98). Concerning 3-year PFS, only 14.3% (95%CI: 11–30) of patients with combined high expression of both biomarkers did not experience recurrence or death within 30 months of surgery. Conclusion Conclusions; Combined high expression of fascin-1 and MAP17 identifies a group of patiens with poor early overall survival, indicating therefore targeted therapy's necessity.