Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer globally, with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of CRC is crucial for determining appropriate treatment regimens, thereby prolonging overall survival rates and improving prognostic outcomes. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the expression profiles of specific proteins in the lymph nodes (LNs) of CRC patients, including integrin-linked kinase (ILK), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2), through immunohistochemical studies. Methods The study involved a sample of 76 patients clinically diagnosed with CRC who were referred by their specialist oncologist. Tumor staging was determined based on the TNM classification. Immunohistochemical studies were conducted to measure the expression patterns of the candidate markers (ILK, EphA2, and VEGFA). Expression levels were scored as negative, low, or high. Results The highest percentage of CRC patients were diagnosed with conventional adenocarcinoma, predominantly in stages II and III. Of the 76 CRC tissue specimens, the majority (46, 60.52%) tested negative for lymphatic invasion, while the remaining 30 (39.47%) tested positive. According to the TNM classification, 14 samples had N1 (one invaded LN), and 16 had N2 (two or more invaded LNs). Furthermore, the percentage of patients with low and high EphA2 expression was significantly higher (p<0.0001) compared to the negative expression controls. Regarding ILK, 15 cases (50.0%) showed negative expression, while an equal number displayed positive expression. Additionally, the group with low VEGFA expression was statistically significantly higher (p=0.01) compared to the negative control. Conclusion The expression levels of EphA2, ILK, and VEGFA were found to be higher in LNs with lymphatic invasion compared to those with negative expression, highlighting the role of these proteins in CRC progression.