The importance of CXCR4 expression in tumor stroma as a potential biomarker in pancreatic cancer (original) (raw)

Background. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the main causes of cancer mortality in the world. A characteristic feature of this cancer is that a large part of the tumor volume is composed of a stroma with different cells and factors. Among these, we can highlight the cytokines, which perform their function through binding to their receptors. Given the impact of the CXCR4 receptor in the interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment and its involvement in important signaling pathways in cancer, it is proposed as a very promising prognostic biomarker and as a goal for new targeted therapies. Numerous studies analyse the expression of CXCR4 but we suggest focusing on the expression of CXCR4 in the stroma. Methods. Expression of CXCR4 in specimens from 33 patients with PDAC was evaluated by immunohistochemistry techniques and matched with clinicopathological parameters, overall and disease-free survival rates. Results. The percentage of stroma was lower in...