Serum Protein Profiling as theranostic biomarkers for Left- and Right-Sided Colon Cancer using Luminex® technology

Background Given the differences between malignancies arising from different segments of the colon, specific theranostic biomarkers can be linked to either Right-sided (RCC) or Left-sided colon cancer (LCC).Objective Analysis of 65 serum proteins to identify panels of theranostic biomarkers for LCC and RCC.Methods Serum levels of 65 immunomodulators were measured in CC, LCC, and RCC patients, as well as healthy controls with the ProcartaPlex Human Immune Monitoring 65-Plex Panel.Results IL-27 may be used for early detection in LCC. CD-30 was up-regulated in metastatic CC, BLC was up-regulated in metastatic LCC and CD-40L was down-regulated in metastatic RCC. MDC and MMP-1 were positively associated, while IL-9 and VEGF-A were negatively associated with lymph nodes invasion in CC. Up-regulation of IL-12p70 and MMP-1 in LCC with lymph nodes invasion contrasted with down-regulation of IL-9 and MIP-1beta. IL-23, I-TAC, and SDF-1 alpha were negatively associated with resistant CC to Folfox chemotherapy, and I-TAC was down-regulated in resistant LCC. IL-2 and FGF-2 were down-regulated, while APRIL was up-regulated in resistant RCC.Conclusions Our study revealed significant differences in serum protein levels between LCC and RCC emphasizing the importance to explore novel theranostic biomarkers for CC, associated with resistance or sensitivity to chemotherapy.