Abstract
Background: The pro-tumorigenic role of a disintegrin and metalloprotease 15 (ADAM15) is supported by its modified expression in primary tumors and ability to promote tumor growth in colorectal cancer (CRC). Cancer cell-derived ADAM15 promotes the progression of this malignancy by modulating the tumor microenvironment. However, according to our knowledge, this study is the first to assess serum ADAM15 concentrations in CRC patients in comparison to classical tumor markers-carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9)-and a marker of the inflammatory process, C-reactive protein (CRP). The aim was to evaluate whether circulating serum ADAM15 might be a candidate biomarker for CRC diagnosis and progression. Methods: The study included 110 CRC patients and 54 healthy volunteers. Serum concentrations of ADAM15, CEA, and CA19-9 were measured using immunoenzyme assays, while CRP levels were assessed by the turbidimetric method. Diagnostic characteristics of all tested proteins were calculated. Results: Serum ADAM15 and classical tumor marker (CEA and CA19) levels were higher in CRC patients than in healthy subjects. However, a significant difference was observed only for CEA (p < 0.001). ADAM15 concentrations were significantly higher in CRC patients with distant metastases compared to those without metastases (p = 0.043). The highest diagnostic sensitivity (89%) was achieved by combined analysis of ADAM15 and CRP levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest a significant role of ADAM15 in CRC pathogenesis, indicating the usefulness of this protein in the prediction of distant metastases. Measurement of serum ADAM15, especially in combination with classical tumor markers (CEA) and inflammation markers (CRP), may improve the diagnosis of patients with CRC.