Stromal CD10 as a Tumor Microenvironment Immuno marker in Colorectal Carcinoma: Association with Clinicopathological Parameters

Abstract

Background: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide, posing a major public health challenge. Tumor–stromal interactions are increasingly recognized as potential therapeutic targets. CD10 has been implicated in tumor aggressiveness, with altered expression linked to the development of various cancers. This study aimed to evaluate stromal CD10 expressions in colorectal carcinoma and its association with clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 50 colorectal carcinoma cases at the Department of Pathology, Dhaka Medical College, from March 2022 to February 2024. Purposive sampling was used, and immunohistochemistry for stromal CD10 expression was performed. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from histologically confirmed cases was analyzed. Data was entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Tumors were most frequently located in the left colon (58%), with a mean size of 5.1±2.8 cm; 72% showed exophytic growth, and most were staged as T3 (42%). Nodal metastasis and lymphovascular invasion were observed in 50% and 28% of cases, respectively, while 70% were low grade. Stromal CD10 expression was detected in 48% of tumors. Higher CD10 positivity was seen among patients aged 41–60 years, females, and smokers. Although no significant associations were found with most tumor parameters, CD10 expression was significantly associated with lymphovascular invasion (71.4% vs. 38.9%, p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that stromal CD10 may have a role in colorectal carcinoma progression, particularly in relation to lymphovascular invasion.

Eastern Med Coll J. January 2026 Vol.11 No.1 : 14-19