Prognostic Significance of CD47 and DHX9 in Metastatic Rectal Cancer

Background/Objectives: The prognosis of metastatic rectal cancer remains poor, and few reliable prognostic biomarkers are available. DHX9 and CD47 have been implicated in colorectal cancer biology, but their prognostic value in metastatic disease remains unclear. We evaluated the associations of DHX9 and CD47 expression with clinical characteristics, molecular markers and overall survival.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center cohort study included 65 patients with metastatic rectal cancer treated between 2010 and 2023. Expression of DHX9 and CD47 in primary tumor tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and classified as low or high. Clinical characteristics, metastatic presentation (de novo or recurrent), metastatic sites and molecular markers (KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and HER2) were recorded. Associations with marker expression were examined. Overall survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank test and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for clinical and molecular factors.