Abstract
OBJECTIVE: CXCL11 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11) encodes a chemokine, a small signaling protein involved in immune and inflammatory responses. This study aims to evaluate the association between CXCL11 gene expression variations and metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for metastasis. METHODS: This is observational laboratory-based study utilized tissue samples from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients stored in the Tissue Bank of the Research Unit, Division of Digestive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran. Conducted between January and August 2024, data collection involved pathological and anatomical assessments of tissue samples obtained through biopsies or tumor resections. Gene expression analysis was performed on 60 fresh tumor tissues using PCR at the Biomolecular Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran. RESULTS: The findings revealed a significant variation in CXCL11 expression among CRC patients based on cancer stage (P = 0.015) and metastasis status (P = 0.017). However, no significant differences in CXCL11 expression were observed concerning age, gender, anatomical pathology, or tumor location. CONCLUSION: This study identifies a relationship between CXCL11 gene expression differences and metastasis in CRC patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate CXCL11's role as a biomarker for CRC metastasis. Additionally, future research should explore the potential application of CXCL11 in antitumor therapy.