Is aBCG5-positivity in tumor buds an indicator of poor prognosis in node-negative colorectal cancer patients?
Expression of putative stem cell markers EpCAM and ABCG5 within the tumor buds of colorectal cancer are frequently noted and are associated with poor prognosis.
Iron deficiency was associated with a higher risk of adverse outcome. Moreover, the use of oral anticoagulation OAC and frequent phlebotomies were related to iron deficiency. Patients under anticoagulation should be monitored rigorously for iron deficiency. However, in patients with low oxygen saturations, careful iron substitution to avoid too high haemoglobin levels is suggested.