Abstract 5146: E-cadherin expression as a prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most common cancer in the United States, with increasing incidence among younger populations despite remaining predominantly prevalent in individuals over 65 years of age. E-cadherin, a critical cell-cell adhesion molecule, plays a significant role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer by regulating intricate cellular mechanisms including polarity, differentiation, proliferation, and migration through complex cytoskeletal network associations. Loss of E-cadherin expression fundamentally disrupts intercellular adhesion, triggering enhanced cellular motility and facilitating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)—a critical transformative process that enables metastatic potential. This molecular mechanism represents a crucial turning point in cancer progression, where cellular architectural integrity becomes compromised. This study investigated E-cadherin expression across different stages of colorectal cancer using immunohistochemical analysis of de-identified formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy tissue samples categorized as precancerous, cancerous, and normal noncancerous groups. Complementing the primary immunohistochemical analysis, a rigorous systematic meta-analysis was conducted through an extensive PubMed literature search to validate and contextualize the findings. Immunohistochemical staining revealed a robust E-cadherin expression in the mucosal epithelial cells of the normal tissues, whereas cancerous tissue samples exhibited reduced E-cadherin levels that correlated directly with advanced cancer staging. Low E-cadherin levels correlate significantly with adverse clinicopathological features and potentially more aggressive disease progression. The comprehensive meta-analysis substantiated these immunohistochemical observations, reinforcing the potential diagnostic and prognostic significance of E-cadherin as a sophisticated molecular biomarker. This study underscores the potential of E-cadherin as a supplementary biomarker in routine histopathological examinations. By providing more nuanced molecular insights into cancer stage and progression, E-cadherin analysis could facilitate further personalized, targeted clinical treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients. Citation Format: Anika Bhandare, Anjana Saxena, Mintoo Patel. E-cadherin expression as a prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 5146.