Biomarkers in colorectal cancer

Swets, M. (2020)

Doctoral Thesis

Potential relevant biomarkers can be found at different levels in tumour development
and disease progression. This thesis is divided into three overarching parts. Colorectal
cancer was studied from a population-based perspective (part I) to a molecular level,
detailed as protein expression (part II) and (epi)genetics (part III), as indicated in Figure 2.
In part I the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal
cancer, who underwent resection after preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy, was
evaluated in a meta-analysis based on individual patient data. Since four randomized
controlled trials individually did not end the ongoing debate about the role of adjuvant
chemotherapy 14,68-70. In part II the ability by tumour cells to evade the immune
recognition was studied, especially the role of the non-classical HLA class I molecule
HLA-G was studied in detail. In part III, an epigenetic biomarker, LINE-1 methylation
level, was studied in a dedicated stage II colon cohort. In addition, an established
genetic biomarker for colon cancer, MSI, was studied in a large rectal cancer cohort.

• Colorectal cancer
• Biomarkers
• Adjuvant chemotherapy
• HLA-G
• MSI
• LINE-1

• All authors: Swets, M.
• Supervisor: Velde, C.J.H. van de; Gelderblom, A.J.
• Co-supervisor: Kuppen, P.J.K.
• Committee: Putter, H.; Morreau, J.; Rutten, H.J.T.; Laarhoven, H.W.M. van
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2020-01-07
• ISBN (print): 9789463239509