Original article

Prognostic significance of CD163 expression in colorectal cancer stroma: a retrospective cohort study

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Abstract

Aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with significant incidence and mortality rates recorded in Kazakhstan. CRC poses a substantial healthcare burden, prompting investigations into novel prognostic markers.

Aim: This study investigates the prognostic significance of CD163 expression in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, utilizing tissue microarrays from 175 patients diagnosed with Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) stage I-IV colon adenocarcinoma. CD163 expression was assessed through immunohistochemistry. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was employed to estimate 5-year overall survival, defined as the interval from diagnosis to death or last follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the relationship between CD163 expression levels and survival outcomes.

Results: High CD163 expression was linked to advanced disease stage of colorectal cancer (p < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001), perineural invasion (p < 0.001), and Collagen I>30%, A type (p<0.001). CD163 infiltration was a negative prognostic factor for colorectal cancer patients, with higher risks of death in the high CD163 expression group compared to the low CD163 group (HR=5.769, 95% CI 3.194 - 10.42, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings highlight CD163 as a potential prognostic biomarker in CRC, warranting further investigation into its mechanistic role and therapeutic implications.

Keywords: adenocarcinoma, biomarkers tumor, immunohistochemistry, survival analysis, tumor microenvironment

How to Cite:

Imanbayev, N., Iztleuov, Y., Koyshybaev, A., Zhumasheva, A., Baizakov, B., Kereyeva, N., Satenova, Z., Imanbayeva, A., Tulyayeva, A., Zholmukhamedova, D., Aitmagambetova, M. & Zharylgapov, A., (2025) “Prognostic significance of CD163 expression in colorectal cancer stroma: a retrospective cohort study”, Medicinski glasnik 22(2), 253-257. doi: https://doi.org/10.17392/1848-22-02