The Potential of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM) Proteins as Clinically Relevant Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health challenge, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and high metastatic potential. Effective management requires novel diagnostic and prognostic strategies, with a growing focus on molecular biomarkers. A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM) proteins, characterized by unique proteolytic activity, play a fundamental role in tumorigenesis by regulating tumor growth, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis. Based on recent investigations, among all ADAMs, ADAM8, ADAM9, ADAM12, ADAM15, and ADAM17 have been proved to play an important role in the CRC pathogenesis. Thus, this review underscores the potential of selected ADAM family members as promising candidates for biomarkers of CRC. Elevated ADAM8, ADAM9, ADAM12 and ADAM17 levels were observed in CRC tissues and correlated with more advanced tumor stage, while increased serum ADAM15 concentrations associated with the presence distant metastases. Moreover, ADAM9, ADAM12, ADAM15 and ADAM17 levels were associated with poorer survival, whereas ADAM8 overexpression was found to be independent prognostic factor for CRC patients’ survival. In addition, the measurement of serum ADAM15 concentrations, especially in combination with well-established tumor marker–CEA improved the diagnosis of patients with this malignancy. In conclusion, selected ADAM are critical contributors to the development and progression of CRC, affecting tumor growth, EMT, and metastasis. ADAM8, ADAM9, ADAM12, ADAM15 and ADAM17 were identified as promising biomarkers for the assessment of CRC progression and proved to be prognostic indicators for patients’ survival. Further validation through large prospective studies and standardized assays is necessary to establish their potential in clinical practice.