Immunohistochemical expression of stem cell marker Musashi-1 in colorectal carcinoma and its correlation with various pathologic parameters

Abstract

Background 

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a highly malignant disease in both men and women. Worldwide, it is considered the third most common cancer in men and the second in women. Musashi-1 (MSI-1) is a recently identified intestinal stem cell marker that is used as a prognostic marker for CRC cases.

Aim 

The aim of this study was to highlight the role of the stem cell marker MSI-1 in CRC through correlating its expression with different clinicopathologic parameters.

Patients and methods 

It was a retrospective cohort study that included 50 cases of CRC received at the Pathology Department and Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo during the period from 2010 to 2015. MSI-1 expression and clinicopathological significance were determined by immunohistochemical staining and results were statistically analyzed.

Results 

MSI-1 immunoreactivity was detected in 88% of the studied cases. A statistically significant correlation was observed between MSI-1 expression and existence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis or during follow-up, with response of metastasis to chemotherapy and with depth of invasion of the tumor (T stage).

Conclusion 

In view of current study, we concluded the possible use of MSI-1 expression as a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for CRC cases.