Chitinase activity can predict liver metastases in colorectal cancer in blood

Background

DNA damage accumulation and telomere dysfunction is associated with the development of cancer. However, we do not know the exact role of DNA damage and telomere dysfunction in metastases of colorectal cancer. We have previously identified biomarkers for DNA damage and telomere dysfunction. In this study we evaluated the role of chitinase activity (one of the biomarkers) in blood in predicting liver metastases of colorectal cancer.

Methods

The levels of chitinase activity were examined in 400 colorectal cancer patients, including 53 synchronous liver metastases in peripheral blood. 347 colorectal cancer patients' peripheral blood activities were measured before resection of the cancer. The clinical parameters were collected, and the patients were prospectively followed up.

Results

The average age of the cancer patient was 65 years old, the chitinase activity was significantly over-expressed in synchronous liver metastases when compared with colorectal cancer patients who had no metastases. During the follow up in 347 colorectal cancer patients, higher expression of chitinase activity, higher risk of liver metastases, both univariate Cox analysis (HR6.0) and multivariate Cox analysis(HR 5.3) showed chitinase has high predictive value for liver metastases after resection of the primary colorectal cancer. Kaplan-Meier analysis shows the chitinase activity has significant correlation to survival in colorectal cancer patients. The metastasis ratio between two groups in non-synchronic colorectal metastasis patients.

*Cut-off value = 22.8026

Conclusions

Taken together, the findings in this study provide experimental evidence that chitinase activity is a potentially predictive biomarker for liver metastases in colorectal cancer.

Clinical trial identification

Legal entity responsible for the study

N/A

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.