Expression of the stem cell marker CD133 is related to tumor development in colorectal carcinogenesis

摘要

Summary Background/Objective CD133 is currently considered the most robust surface marker for colorectal cancer stem cells. Two meta-analysis reports have suggested that CD133 expression is significantly associated with shorter survival, and CD133 may play an important role in the progression of colorectal cancer. However, the role of CD133 in colorectal adenoma has not been fully elucidated. Methods We used immunohistochemistry to evaluate CD133 expression in 200 endoscopically resected colorectal polyps from 200 patients and 20 normal mucosae between January 1993 and December 1996. Results CD133 staining was positive in 17.9% of the colorectal adenomas. Moreover, CD133 expression was associated with differentiation status ( p ?=?0.003) and tumor size ( p ?=?0.03). Conclusion CD133 might play an important role in tumor development.