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β 6 ‐integrin serves as a novel serum tumor marker for colorectal carcinoma
Author(s) -
Bengs Susan,
Becker Eugenia,
Busenhart Philipp,
Spalinger Marianne R.,
Raselli Tina,
Kasper Stephanie,
Lang Silvia,
Atrott Kirstin,
Mamie Celine,
Vavricka Stephan R.,
Boehmer Lotta,
Knuth Alexander,
Tuomisto Anne,
Mäkinen Markus J.,
Hruz Petr,
Turina Matthias,
Rickenbacher Andreas,
Petrowsky Henrik,
Weber Achim,
Frei Pascal,
Halama Marcel,
Jenkins Gisli,
Sheppard Dean,
Croner Roland S.,
Christoph Jan,
BritzenLaurent Nathalie,
Naschberger Elisabeth,
Schellerer Vera,
Stürzl Michael,
Fried Michael,
Rogler Gerhard,
Scharl Michael
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/ijc.32137
Subject(s) - medicine , colorectal cancer , carcinoembryonic antigen , metastasis , cohort , prospective cohort study , oncology , cancer , tumor marker
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related deaths worldwide and the need for novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to improve diagnosis and surveillance is obvious. This study aims to identify β 6 ‐integrin (ITGB6) as a novel serum tumor marker for diagnosis, prognosis, and surveillance of CRC. ITGB6 serum levels were validated in retro‐ and prospective CRC patient cohorts. ITGB6 serum levels were analyzed by ELISA. Using an initial cohort of 60 CRC patients, we found that ITGB6 is present in the serum of CRC, but not in non‐CRC control patients. A cut‐off of ≥2 ng/mL ITGB6 reveals 100% specificity for the presence of metastatic CRC. In an enlarged study cohort of 269 CRC patients, ITGB6 predicted the onset of metastatic disease and was associated with poor prognosis. Those data were confirmed in an independent, prospective cohort consisting of 40 CRC patients. To investigate whether ITGB6 can also be used for tumor surveillance, serum ITGB6‐levels were assessed in 26 CRC patients, pre‐ and post‐surgery, as well as during follow‐up visits. After complete tumor resection, ITGB6 serum levels declined completely. During follow‐up, a new rise in ITGB6 serum levels indicated tumor recurrence or the onset of new metastasis as confirmed by CT scan. ITGB6 was more accurate for prognosis of advanced CRC and for tumor surveillance as the established marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Our findings identify ITGB6 as a novel serum marker for diagnosis, prognosis, and surveillance of advanced CRC. This might essentially contribute to an optimized patient care.