The role of the urokinase system in colorectal carcinogenesis

The aim of the research. A systematic review of data published in recent years on the urokinase system, its role in carcinogenesis at the cellular level with an emphasis on the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer. Material and methods. The research was compiled based on Russian and English publications from the Medline and E-library databases dated 2015 to 2021 using the following keywords: “urokinase” AND “cancer”, “urokinase” AND “colorectal”, “urokinase” AND “biomarker” in the Title and Abstract fields. Out of the references found, a total of 59 publications were included in this review. Results. The urokinase system is involved in many processes of carcinogenesis: from degradation of the extracellular matrix and tumour metastasis to proliferation and apoptosis suppression in tumour cells. Th e search for new biomarkers for diagnosis, assessment of progression and prognosis of colorectal cancer is of great interest due to the imperfection, economic ineffi ciency and laboriousness of other methods for diagnosing this disease. In addition, such markers may be not merely diagnostically signifi cant agents, but also objects for targeted antitumor therapy. Urokinase and its receptor act as a potential new biomarker for screening, diagnosis and predicting the progression of colorectal cancer. In future, they may replace the CEA and CA19-9 levels proven to be non-significant. Conclusion. In recent years, many discoveries have been made in this area. However, obtaining of diagnostically signifi cant results and safe application of targeted therapy require further research.