Correlation of CD133 Expression with Tumor Location and Lymph Node Involvement in Colorectal Carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction
 Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death. Ongoing efforts to investigate new treatment strategies for CRC include understanding CSC (Cancer Stem Cells) involvement. CSC is a group of tumor cells with stem cell characteristics that can play a role in metastasis, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance. This study aims to determine the correlation of CD133 expression as a CSC marker in CRC with tumor location and lymph node involvement in CRC.
 Methods
 This research is a cross-sectional study. The research sample obtained as many as 50 cases of paraffin blocks originating from resection. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess CD133 expression. Chi-square test statistical analysis was carried out with a p-value <0.05, considered significant.
 Results
 This study found that CD133 expression was higher in tumors located in the rectum compared to distal and proximal colon, 56%, 28%, and 16%, respectively. Statistically, there is a significant correlation between CD133 expression and lymph node involvement in CRC (p-value = 0.048).
 Conclusions
 There is a significant correlation between CD133 expression and lymph node involvement in CRC. Unfortunately, there was no statistically significant correlation between CD133 expression and tumor location. More extensive studies are needed to establish CD133 as a test performed on every patient with CRC.