Blood marker to predict liver spread after colorectal cancer surgery

After colorectal cancer surgery, some patients develop cancer that spreads to the liver—and doctors currently cannot reliably predict who will have this complication. This study is testing whether a protein called PRDX1, found in tiny particles in blood samples taken directly from the surgical specimen, can help doctors identify patients at highest risk for liver metastasis. The researchers will follow 252 patients after surgery and track whether this blood marker can accurately predict who develops spread disease.

Currently, doctors cannot accurately predict which colorectal cancer patients will develop liver metastasis after surgery, so they cannot identify who needs more aggressive treatment early. This study is testing a new approach using a blood marker that may help doctors spot high-risk patients sooner and intervene with treatment before cancer spreads.