Cocktail of MACC-1, Kisspeptin-1 and ALDH-1 Immunohistochemistry Biomarkers with Potential of Prognostication and Risk Stratification in Colorectal Carcinomas

Background: Metastasis Associated in Colon Cancer gene has emerged as regulator of epithelial mesenchymal transition and is associated with poor prognosis. Kisspeptin 1, tumor suppressor enzyme affects cellular motility, tumor invasion and metastasis. Its reduced expression implies tumor progression and poor prognosis. ALDH1 gene is marker of stem cell activity. Its increased expression is a marker of tumor progression and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation. These biomarkers can be detected by immunohistochemistry. The aim of our study is to find an association of MACC-1, KISS-1 and ALDH1 with aggressiveness and tumor progression in colorectal carcinomas. All retrospective and prospective cases of colorectal adenocarcinomas received over period of five years, from 2017 to 2021, were included in this study and case control study was planned. Methods: The study population was divided into two comparison groups based on TNM staging: (a) those with non-aggressive tumors (controls) (TNM stage I, II) and (b) those with aggressive tumors (cases) (TNM stage III, IV). A total of 36 controls and 27 cases were studied. Immunohistochemistry for MACC-1, KISS-1 and ALDH1 was done. Cytoplasmic and membranous staining was considered positive for these three immunomarkers. Chi-square test was used to find out an association among these biomarkers and aggressiveness and tumor progression of colorectal carcinomas. P<0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: We found an association of MACC1 and KISS1 with aggressiveness and tumor progression whereas no association could be established with ALDH1. Conclusion: These biomarkers are promising targets for prognostication and developing novel anticancer therapeutics.