Expression of chemokine receptor CCR5 correlates with the presence of hepatic molecular metastases in K-ras positive human colorectal cancer

Background: Molecular metastases are precursors of postoperative recurrence. Chemokines and their receptors contribute to dissemination and local immune recognition. A strong expression of the chemokine receptor CCR5 is associated with non-metastatic colorectal cancer and increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration. The aim of this study was to analyse if CCR5 expression correlates with the presence hepatic molecular metastases (MM). Methods: 93 patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer were assessed. The K-ras mutation status was defined by PCR-RFLP, the CCR5 expression status was analysed by CCR5 speci…