Serum levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in colorectal cancer patients: correlations with clinicopathological features, patient survival and tumour surgery

The serum concentrations oft he cell adhesion molecules E-select in, interc ellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were investigated in 63 patients with colorectal cancer and in 51 controls by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Their relationshi p to clinicopathological variables and patient survival and changes in thei r levels after surgery were examined. Colorectal cancer patients showed sig nificantly higher serum levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 compared wi th healthy controls. There was a significant association between. the serum levels of these molecules, disease stage and the presence of both lymph no de and distant metastases. Both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels correlated with se rum E-selectin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. Serum levels of a ll three molecules decreased significantly after radical resection of the t umour. Elevated pre-operative E-selectin. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels were sig nificant prognostic factors, although not independent of stage. for patient survival. These findings suggest that serum concentrations of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 may reflect tumour progression and metastasis. Since thes e markers are linked to CEA levels, it is uncertain whether their measureme nt will prove cost-effective in colorectal cancer management. (C) 2001 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.