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. 2025 May 14:18:657-665.
doi: 10.2147/OTT.S515119. eCollection 2025.

CXCL11: A Novel Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer as Metastasis Predictor

Riyadi Wibowo  1 , Yunia Sribudiani  2 , Kiki Lukman  1 , Reno Rudiman  1 , Tommy Ruchimat  3 , Bambang Am Am Setya Sulthana  3 , Andriana Purnama  3 , Alma Wijaya  3 , Etis Primastari  4 , Prapanca Nugraha  1
Affiliations

CXCL11: A Novel Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer as Metastasis Predictor

Riyadi Wibowo et al. Onco Targets Ther. .

Abstract

Objective: CXCL11 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11) encodes a chemokine, a small signaling protein involved in immune and inflammatory responses. This study aims to evaluate the association between CXCL11 gene expression variations and metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for metastasis.

Methods: This is observational laboratory-based study utilized tissue samples from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients stored in the Tissue Bank of the Research Unit, Division of Digestive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran. Conducted between January and August 2024, data collection involved pathological and anatomical assessments of tissue samples obtained through biopsies or tumor resections. Gene expression analysis was performed on 60 fresh tumor tissues using PCR at the Biomolecular Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran.

Results: The findings revealed a significant variation in CXCL11 expression among CRC patients based on cancer stage (P = 0.015) and metastasis status (P = 0.017). However, no significant differences in CXCL11 expression were observed concerning age, gender, anatomical pathology, or tumor location.

Conclusion: This study identifies a relationship between CXCL11 gene expression differences and metastasis in CRC patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate CXCL11's role as a biomarker for CRC metastasis. Additionally, future research should explore the potential application of CXCL11 in antitumor therapy.

Keywords: CXCL11; biomarker; cancer stage; colorectal cancer; metastasis.

Plain language summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, with two million new cases diagnosed each year. Early detection can improve survival rates and reduce complications. Scientists are exploring biomarkers—biological indicators in the body—that can help predict cancer progression and guide treatment decisions. This study investigates whether a specific gene, called CXCL11, is linked to the spread of colorectal cancer (metastasis). CXCL11 is involved in immune responses and inflammation, and it may influence cancer growth and spread. The researchers aimed to determine if measuring CXCL11 levels could help identify patients at higher risk of metastasis. The study analyzed tissue samples collected from colorectal cancer patients between between January and August 2024. These samples were stored in a tissue bank at Universitas Padjadjaran. Researchers used Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to measure CXCL11 gene activity. Patients who had received chemotherapy or radiation therapy were excluded to ensure accurate results. The average age of patients was 54 years, about 45% of the patients had cancer that had spread (metastasis). CXCL11 levels were significantly higher in patients with advanced stages of cancer and those with metastasis. No significant differences in CXCL11 levels were found based on age, gender, tumor location, or cell type. This study suggests that CXCL11 could be a useful biomarker for predicting metastasis in colorectal cancer patients. Higher levels of CXCL11 were associated with advanced cancer stages and metastasis. Further research with larger groups of patients is needed to confirm these findings. Scientists may also investigate whether CXCL11 can be targeted in new treatments for colorectal cancer. Identifying biomarkers like CXCL11 can help doctors detect cancer earlier, predict its progression, and create personalized treatment plans. This could improve survival rates and quality of life for colorectal cancer patients.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to this paper.

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