Identifying Common Cancer Antigens for Immunotherapy in Colon Cancer

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the National Cancer Center in Japan have identified common cancer antigens that can be targeted for immunotherapy in colon cancer patients, particularly those with stage IV colorectal cancer and liver metastases. According to a new report published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, the team analyzed expression levels of seven cancer antigens and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I in 85 surgical specimens from primaries and liver metastases. The study found that most of the primaries and liver metastases may benefit from chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy targeting specific antigens.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers identified seven common cancer antigens (CLDN1, EphB4, LAT1, FOXM1, HSP105a, ROBO1, and SPARC) that are promising targets for antigen-specific immunotherapies in colorectal cancer.
  • Immunohistochemical staining of surgical specimens from 85 patients revealed that these antigens were expressed in 88-96% of primary tumors and 80.0% of liver metastases.
  • High HLA class I expression was observed in both primary tumors and liver metastases, indicating that patients with high HLA class I expression may be suitable for vaccine-based and T cell receptor-T cell therapy targeting specific antigens.
  • The study found that cases with high HLA class I expression may benefit from chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy targeting CLDN1, EphB4, and LAT1.
  • The research also suggested that patients with low FOXM1 and SPARC expression in their liver metastases may benefit from targeted therapies excluding these antigens.

Statistics:

  • 85 surgical specimens from patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastases were analyzed in the study.
  • Seven cancer antigens (CLDN1, EphB4, LAT1, FOXM1, HSP105a, ROBO1, and SPARC) were identified as targets for immunotherapy.
  • 80.0% of liver metastases exhibited high HLA class I expression.
  • 88-96% of primary tumors expressed the identified cancer antigens.

Sources:

  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol. 26, No. 15, 2025, pp. 7402-7412.
  • Researchers from National Cancer Center, "Identification of Common Cancer Antigens Useful for Specific Immunotherapies to Colorectal Cancer and Liver Metastases." Vaccine Weekly, August 27, 2025.