Increased nerve density adversely affects outcome in colorectal cancer and denervation suppresses tumor growth.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The colon and rectum are highly innervated, with neural components within the tumor microenvironment playing a significant role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. While perineural invasion (PNI) is associated with poor prognosis in CRC, the impact of nerve density and diameter on tumor behavior remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of nerve characteristics in CRC and to verify the impact of nerves on tumor growth.

Methods

Tissue samples from 129 CRC patients were stained with immunofluorescent markers NF-L and S100B to detect nerves. Nerve diameter and density were measured and normalized. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression models were used to identify prognostic factors. Prognostic models were established using rece

SUBMITTER: Wang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11760110 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature