Purpose

Cluster of differentiation 93 (CD93) is involved in apoptosis and inflammation and has a suggested role in angiogenesis, and all of which are involved in the development and dissemination of cancer. We evaluated the expression of CD93 and the association with two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2749812 and rs2749817, as possible biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Tissue levels and plasma levels of CD93 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of CD93 was determined by immunohistochemistry, western blot and gene expression analysis. Genotype frequencies were established for the SNPs by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the association with tumour stage and survival was analysed.

Results

Total CD93 levels were 82 % higher (P < 0.001) in tumours compared to matched normal tissues. Mean levels of soluble CD93 in plasma were 30 % lower (P  < 0.001) in the patients compared to the controls. The T/T genotype of SNP rs2749817 was more common in stage IV patients, with consequently higher risk of CRC death (T/T vs. C/C and C/T; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.73, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–2.67, P  = 0.014), and was associated with a higher risk of CRC recurrence after radical operation (T/T vs. C/C and C/T; HR = 2.07, CI = 1.22–3.51, P = 0.007).

Conclusions

We showed that the T/T genotype of SNP rs2749817 is associated with disseminated cancer at diagnosis and an increased recurrence rate after radical operation. Patients with this genotype may benefit from early identification.