Background

Colorectal carcinoma is a major contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality, with rising incidence in the Indian population. Conventional prognostic assessment based on histological grade and TNM staging is increasingly supplemented by molecular markers that may improve prognostication and therapeutic targeting. CD133 (Prominin-1), a cancer stem cell marker, has been reported to correlate with clinicopathological features, prognosis, and resistance to therapy in colorectal carcinoma, although Indian data remain limited. 

Research Question

Does immunohistochemical expression of CD133 in colorectal adenocarcinoma demonstrate prognostic value when correlated with established clinicopathological parameters such as tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion, tumor stage, nodal stage, and TNM stage? 

Methodology

This study is designed as an observational study with prospective and retrospective recruitment over a two-year period (May 2025–April 2027). Histopathologically confirmed cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma from biopsy or surgical specimens will be included, with an estimated sample size of approximately 40 patients. Clinical, radiological, and pathological data will be collected, followed by routine histopathology and immunohistochemical staining for CD133. Expression will be quantitatively and qualitatively scored and correlated with clinicopathological variables using appropriate statistical tests (Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Chi-square) through SPSS software. 

Conclusion

The study aims to determine whether CD133 expression can serve as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in colorectal carcinoma, potentially aiding in risk stratification, therapeutic decision-making, and assessment of treatment resistance.