THSD7A as a novel prognostic factor for colorectal carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Background Thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7 A (THSD7A) expression, an angiogenesis-related protein, has been implicated in various aspects of cancer progression, reflecting its potential as a prognostic marker for various cancers. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic value of THSD7A expression in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods A total of 95 patients with CRC were included. The patients were stratified into two groups according to THSD7A expression status determined by immunohistochemistry [negative (no staining), and positive (expression ≥ 1% of cancer cells)]. The overall survival (OS) of prognostic subgroups was estimated by Kaplan Meier method. The prognostic value of THSD7A expression was evaluated by univariable and multivariable Cox regression models. Results THSD7A was expressed in 42.1% of CRC patients. Patients with no THSD7A expression had inferior OS than patients with THSD7A expression (72.9 months vs. median OS was not reached, p = 0.001, respectively). Our multivariate analyses revealed that the independent predictors of OS were poor differentiation of tumor (HR: 2.603, p = 0.002), advanced stage (HR: 3.210, p < 0.001), and the loss of THSD7A expression (HR: 3.094, p = 0.001). Conclusions The present study showed that THSD7A expression could serve as a potential prognostic marker for CRC cancer. Further research is warranted to elucidate the exact underlying THSD7A-mediated cancer progression and to explore its clinical use in improving CRC prognostication and treatment strategies.

Keywords

• Colorectal cancer
• Prognosis
• THSD7A