Exploring VCAM-1 and GRO-α as Potential Biomarkers in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

This thesis investigates the roles of VCAM-1 and GRO-α as potential biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant cancer. By analyzing tumor and adjacent healthy tissue from 20 patients, along with two RCC cell lines (CAKI-2 and A-498), the study found that both markers are significantly upregulated in tumor samples. VCAM-1 was notably increased in the CAKI-2 line, suggesting a role in immune cell recruitment that may paradoxically aid tumor survival. GRO-α, a chemokine associated with inflammation and angiogenesis, also showed elevated expression, indicating its role in tumor growth and immune evasion. The data support the idea that both VCAM-1 and GRO-α contribute to RCC progression by shaping a tumor-friendly microenvironment. Their differential expression in RCC subtypes highlights their potential use in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment development.