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Gastrointestinal cancer represents a substantial global health challenge, contributing to over one-third of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The progression of these malignancies involves complex molecular and physiological mechanisms, with Midkine (MDK) emerging as a critical regulator. MDK, a heparin-binding growth factor, exhibits a multifaceted role in tumorigenesis, influencing cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance. Elevated MDK expression has been identified in various gastrointestinal cancers, including gastric, esophageal, and colorectal malignancies, underscoring its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. This review examines MDK's molecular and biological functions in gastrointestinal cancers, emphasizing its clinical utility in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. By exploring the intricate mechanisms of MDK, this study aims to advance the development of novel, personalized therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Rasoulizadeh et al. (Thu,) studied this question.