sCLEC-2 (Soluble C-Type Lectin-like Receptor 2) as a New Diagnostic Marker of Platelet Activation in Colorectal Cancer Patients—A Preliminary Study

Background/Objectives: CLEC-2 (C-type lectin-like receptor 2), the newest discovered platelet receptor, is involved in platelet activation and aggregation, the inflammatory response, tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. These unique features make CLEC-2 a promising candidate for a new biomarker and therapeutic target. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of CLEC-2 in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: The serum CLEC-2 concentration was determined using ELISA methods in 64 CRC patients and 25 healthy subjects. Results: Our results indicate that the concentration of the serum CLEC-2 was significantly higher in CRC patients than in healthy subjects. Furthermore, the CLEC-2 levels were significantly higher in G3- than G2-grade CRC, and in patients with more advanced CRC, such as those with lymph node and distant metastases, than in patients without any metastases. CLEC-2 showed a positive correlation with platelet indices (PLT and MPV). The area under the ROC curve confirmed CLEC-2’s excellent diagnostic power in distinguishing between patients with CRC. Conclusions: Our results indicate that CLEC-2 may be associated with CRC development and suggest that the identification of this biomarker could be useful for determining CRC progression.