CD44 epithelial isoform inversely associates with invasive characteristics of colorectal cancer

Aim: There is no consensus regarding the clinical significance of CD44 and CD24 as cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methodology: A total of 494 CRC samples (2008-2017) were assessed for CD44 (epithelial isoform) and CD24 expression using tissue microarray. Results: CD24 individually or in combination with CD44 was not associated with any of the clinicopathologic characteristics of the tumor. CD44 expression was inversely associated with pathological Tumor, Node, Metastasis (pTNM) lower stages (p = 0.038) and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, the epithelial isoform of CD44 is inversely associated with invasive characteristics of CRC.