Evaluation of Prognostic Immune Signatures in Patients with Breast, Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND

CD97 is a member of the epidermal growth factor-seven transmembrane (EGF-TM7) receptor family and is dominantly expressed on immune cells and in a variety of malignant diseases. B7-H1 and B7-H3 are transmembrane proteins that are involved in suppression of the immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate if these molecules are up-regulated in patients with cancer and change during chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed cluster of differentiation (CD) protein expression levels on tumor cell lines and in blood samples of 37 patients with solid tumors at baseline and during chemotherapy; we correlated the serum levels of CD proteins with survival outcome.

RESULTS

Levels of soluble CD97 proteins were significantly elevated in all three cancer types compared to healthy controls. Patients with colorectal cancer and those with high CD97 levels had a significantly worse prognosis.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a marked elevation of soluble CD97 expression in patients with certain cancer types and demonstrated definite changes in CD protein expression during chemotherapy in one patient with metastatic breast cancer.