The Prognostic Importance of Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Polyps.

BACKGROUND: This purpose aims to investigate the usefulness of CD133, a stem cell marker, for the prognosis of colon polyps. This study aimed to assess the adenomatous polyps that have an essential role in the development of colorectal cancer. The risk of colorectal carcinogenesis can be reduced by polypectomy and close medical supervision of the patients with adenomatous polyps. The prominence of stem cells in carcinoma development is also a recognized verdict. It must be noted that stem cell evaluation in adenomatous polyps may provide information about carcinoma development.

METHOD: Previously pathologically assessed colorectal polyps in 60 males and 40 females at Azerbaijan Medical University were reevaluated at the Pathology Department under the Meram Medical Faculty. Hematoxylin-eosin stained preparations were examined, and cases with and without dysplasia were determined. The image analysis program re-examined the preparations, and the same image analysis system automatically counted CD133 positive stained cells in the unit area. At the end of the follow-up period after polypectomy, the cases of malignancy were detected.

RESULTS: The relationship between CD133 expression of dysplasia and malignancy was statistically compared. During the investigation, the statistically significant relationship between CD133 expression and dysplasia, as well as malignancy development, was observed in this study.

CONCLUSION: During the examination, the statistical significance of CD133 expression was detected in cases with dysplasia and malignancy. The investigation of CD133 expression in colorectal polyps is crucial in determining the presence of dysplasia and malignancy development, particularly in obtaining prognostic data in colorectal polyps.