The role of microvesicles as biomarkers in the screening of colorectal neoplasm

Abstract

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second cause of cancer death worldwide. The role of circulating microvesicles as a screening tool is a novel, yet effective approach that warrants prioritised research. Methods In a two‐gate diagnostic accuracy study, 35 patients with benign colorectal polyps (BCRP) (n = 16) and colorectal cancer (CRC) (n = 19) were compared to 17 age‐matched healthy controls. Total annexin‐V positive microvesicles and sub‐populations positive for selected biomarkers relevant to bowel neoplasm were evaluated in patients' plasma using flow cytometry. Statistical methods including factor analysis utilising two component factors were performed to obtain optimal diagnostic accuracy of microvesicles in identifying patients with colorectal neoplasms. Results Total plasma microvesicles, and sub‐populations positive for CD31, CD42a, CD31+/CD42a‐, EPHB2, ICAM and LGR5 (component factor‐1) were able to identify patients with BCRP and CRC with a receiver operator curve (AUC) accuracy of a 100% (95% CI: 100%–100%) and 95% (95% CI: 88%–100%), respectively. To identify patients with BCRP, a cut‐off point value of component factor‐1761 microvesicles/μl demonstrated a 100% sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value (NPV) and a 93% positive predictive value (PPV). To identify patients with CRC, a cut‐off value of component factor‐1 3439 microvesicles/μl demonstrated a 100% sensitivity, specificity and NPV and a 65% PPV. CEA+ microvesicles sub‐population were significantly (p < 0.02) higher in CRC in comparison to BCRP. Conclusions Microvesicles as biomarkers for the early and accurate detection of CRC is a simple and effective tool that yields a potential breakthrough in clinical management.

Precision Oncology: Circulating Microvesicles as New Biomarkers in a Very Early Stage of Colorectal Cancer

“…In our study, we used Annexin V, whereas Zhao et al [38] used lactadherin, which has been shown to be more effective in isolating MVs [39,40]. Eddama et al, 2022, similarly demonstrated elevated levels of MVs in CRC patients, supporting our data and further pointing out the role of MVs as a potential biomarker for early disease detection [21].…”

“…The prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global health challenge since CRC ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality [20]. Recent studies highlight the importance of microvesicles as biomarkers for the early detection of CRC [21], prognosis, and the prediction of response to therapy [22,23].…”

Extracellular Vesicles and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Activation: Interplay of Drivers in Cancer Progression

“…EXOs (~40-150 nm) are intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) contained in MVBs, which are released into the extracellular environment upon fusion with the plasma membrane [5,60,61]. Unlike MVs and despite sharing common intracellular mechanisms and sorting machinery, EXOs are formed through a distinct and complex intracellular regulatory process that determines their composition and functions [8,61].…”