The role of amphiregulin-derived in colorectal cancer progression.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common type of cancer in Brazil and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the country. This disease arises from DNA mutations in colon cells, influenced by genetic and environmental factors such as diet and chronic inflammation associated with intestinal diseases. The progression of colorectal cancer involves molecular alterations that promote uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor formation, potentially leading to functional impairment of the intestine and, in advanced cases, death. Treatment includes a combination of strategies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies, the latter being based on specific molecular characteristics, such as the high expression of amphiregulin (AREG). AREG, a protein from the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, plays a crucial role in activating cellular pathways that promote cancer cell proliferation and survival. In the tumor microenvironment, dendritic cells (DCs) stand out not only for their immunological function but also for their ability to synthesize AREG. These factors may be interconnected, suggesting an onco-immune interaction in which DCs respond to the presence of tumor cells by supplying AREG, fostering an environment conducive to colorectal cancer progression. Thus, gaining a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer progression is essential for developing more effective and personalized therapies, capable of improving patients' quality of life and survival.