PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Free Shipping in the U.S. for orders over $1000. Shop Now>>
30 December, 2023 by Anshul (neobio)
Ever asked yourself how colon cancer cells can be characterized in order to better understand their behavior and plan targeted treatments? The answer lies within the innovative and complex world of Immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC is particularly crucial in colon cancer research and diagnosis, often regarded as a key player in testing, screening, and the development of targeted therapies.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a powerful method that uses antibodies to visualize specific proteins in tissue samples. In colon cancer, IHC screening is an essential tool in determining irregularities in proteins that could potentially indicate the presence of the disease. For instance, a detector like NeoBiotechnologies’ validated, monospecific Rabbit Recombinant Monoclonal Antibodies can help researchers and clinicians examine specific markers within the tumor samples, providing crucial information about the cancer’s behavior and potential treatment options.
Interestingly, IHC is also pivotal in identifying Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that raises the risk of colon cancer. It does this by examining the absence or presence of certain proteins such as MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2. This precise approach paints a clearer picture of the gene imbalances potentially responsible for colon cancer, which can consequently guide research, prognosis, and treatment.
To help you quickly grasp the importance of IHC in colon cancer diagnosis, here’s a snapshot:
The journey through colon cancer research and diagnosis isn’t simple, but thankfully, innovative techniques like IHC are making the path less arduous. As we delve into this guide, we’ll explore how IHC protocols for colon cancer are implemented, the use of specific IHC markers, and what the future holds for IHC in colon cancer research and diagnosis.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) serves as a powerful tool for classifying colorectal carcinoma (CRC) into various molecular subtypes. This classification is important because it guides the treatment plan and helps predict the patient’s prognosis.
CRS can be divided into three different molecular subtypes based on the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated IHC markers, according to a study involving 112 CRC samples. The three subtypes are:
The majority of cases were diagnosed as moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (79.46%), and most (89.28%) exhibited a mismatch repair proficient status, also known as microsatellite stable CRCs. The molecular classification was associated with various factors like pathological stage, pT stage, pN stage, the grade of tumor budding, and maspin expression in both the tumor core and the invasion front (source).
In the same study, maspin, a serine protease inhibitor, was found to be a valuable marker. Mesenchymal-type cases predominantly exhibited lymph node metastases, high-grade budding, and a tendency towards maspin nuclear predominance. Interestingly, all epithelial-type cases with maspin-only expression were non-metastatic. Therefore, maspin expression serves as a key prognostic indicator in determining the severity and progression of CRC.
Tumor budding and EMT are associated with a more aggressive form of CRC. Tumor budding is a result of active EMT and is known to be a poor prognostic marker. Cases with a high degree of budding often show a mesenchymal phenotype, maspin nuclear positivity, and lymph node metastases. Therefore, the EMT-associated molecular classification of CRCs may be used to identify the most aggressive CRCs.
At NeoBiotechnologies, our founder and CEO, Dr. Atul K. Tandon, emphasizes the importance of using reliable, highly validated antibodies for accurate IHC results. Our Rabbit Recombinant Monoclonal Antibodies are ideal for these protocols, and we continually strive to provide researchers with the tools they need to fight CRC.
In the next section, we will discuss the use of IHC in evaluating colorectal adenocarcinomas.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) serves as a valuable tool in evaluating colorectal adenocarcinomas. By using IHC, we can delve into understanding the varying phenotypes of tumor cells, the complexities of the tumor microenvironment, and the role of cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer.
In colorectal adenocarcinomas, one significant finding is the existence of accentuated cell pleomorphism. This refers to the presence of different types of tumor cells, such as aspects of tubular adenocarcinoma, mucinous areas, and even signet-ring cells, within the same tumor. This variability is essential to consider when creating a comprehensive treatment plan.
The tumor microenvironment also plays a crucial role in colorectal adenocarcinomas. It’s typically composed of a desmoplastic type stroma, but it can also be of a lax type, infiltrated more or less with inflammatory cells. This complex microenvironment can significantly influence the behavior of the tumor and its response to treatments.
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are thought to contribute significantly to tumor growth, recurrence, and resistance to therapy. In colorectal cancer, the evaluation of immunomarkers for CSCs is a crucial part of the diagnostic process. However, none of the markers used alone, including cluster of differentiation (CD)133, CD44, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1), CD24, CD26, conclusively indicate the presence of CSCs. Hence, more research is needed to identify reliable markers for CSCs in colorectal cancer.
To support these evaluations, NeoBiotechnologies offers a range of highly validated, monospecific Rabbit Recombinant Monoclonal Antibodies, ideal for Immunohistochemistry, Flow Cytometry, Western Blotting, or Immunofluorescence. These tools can aid in the accurate and efficient evaluation of colorectal adenocarcinomas, ultimately contributing to the advancement of colon cancer IHC protocols and the fight against colorectal cancer.
In the next section, we will explore various IHC markers used in the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer.
As the fight against colorectal cancer advances, the role of IHC markers in diagnosis and prognosis cannot be overstated. Let’s delve deeper into the role of these markers in diagnosing adenocarcinomas, their prognostic value, and the significance of testing for microsatellite instability.
In the realm of colorectal cancer IHC markers, Cadherin-17, Villin, and SATB2 stand out. Research shows that SATB2 is a highly specific marker for colorectal carcinoma, with distinct positivity seen in 85% of all colorectal cancer cases. Cadherin-17, when compared with SATB2, shows more sensitivity for colorectal adenocarcinomas (99% vs. 87%), although it is less specific.
Villin, on the other hand, is often expressed in both colonic and appendiceal adenocarcinoma, exhibiting a ‘brush-border’ pattern of staining. These markers can serve as essential tools in the differential diagnosis of carcinoma of unknown primary origin.
The predictive power of IHC markers extends beyond diagnosis to prognostication. Several immunohistochemical markers, including p27, p53, thymidylate synthase, EGFR, and SMAD4, have been developed to predict outcome and assist in therapy selection.
For instance, the absence of p27 is suggested to be a strong negative prognostic marker, particularly in stage II colon cancer. Overexpression of thymidylate synthase has been associated with poor prognosis and resistance to 5-flourouracil chemotherapy. EGFR expression also indicates an increased likelihood of metastases and decreased survival.
Microsatellite instability testing is crucial in colorectal cancer. It can be performed using immunohistochemical reactions that evaluate the proteins MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2. Microsatellite instability is linked with colorectal cancer, and its evaluation can provide valuable insights into the disease’s prognosis and potential treatment strategies.
At NeoBiotechnologies, we offer highly validated, monospecific Rabbit Recombinant Monoclonal Antibodies ideal for these IHC protocols. Regardless of your research needs, you can count on our antibodies for their reliability and suitability for a wide range of applications.
In conclusion, the use of IHC markers in diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer is an essential part of the colon cancer IHC protocol. With ongoing research and development of new antibodies, we can look forward to more precise and efficient strategies for combating this deadly disease.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) continues to be a powerful tool in the fight against colon cancer. Its ability to visualize and identify specific proteins and antigens within the cells of a tumor allows for a detailed understanding of the disease at a molecular level. As research progresses and new markers are discovered, it’s expected that the role of IHC in colon cancer research and diagnosis will only grow.
The future of colon cancer IHC lies in refining and expanding the current protocols. The development of highly validated, monospecific Rabbit Recombinant Monoclonal Antibodies by companies like NeoBiotechnologies, for instance, is a significant step forward. These antibodies enable more precise and accurate IHC, leading to better diagnostic and prognostic outcomes for patients.
Moreover, the rise of personalized medicine is set to revolutionize the way we approach colon cancer. IHC plays a crucial role in this paradigm shift, as it allows for the identification of unique tumor characteristics, enabling tailored treatments for individual patients.
These advancements, combined with the exploration of novel biomarkers and the refinement of existing ones, promise a future where IHC will play an even bigger role in understanding, diagnosing, and treating colon cancer.
The development of more effective IHC markers not only provides hope for improved diagnostic accuracy but also paves the way for the development of more targeted therapies. NeoBiotechnologies is at the forefront of this research, continuously developing new antibodies and making significant contributions to the field of IHC.
While there is still much to learn about the complex mechanisms of colon cancer, it is clear that IHC will continue to be an invaluable tool in this journey. With the ongoing advancements in the field, the future for colon cancer diagnosis and treatment looks promising.
For more information about the role of IHC in colon cancer research, visit NeoBiotechnologies’ dedicated research area or explore their comprehensive range of cancer markers.
