Does a decrease of NK cells in the appendix increase the risk of developing colon cancer?

Background/aims: Epidemiological studies indicate that relevance between appendix and colon cancer is controversial, but unfortunately, there is no data based on examination of immune indicator to reveal the relativity.

Methodology: This study explored the relation-ship between appendix immunity and the right colon cancer by detecting the presence of NK cells in appendix tissues with immunohistochemistry.

Results: The number of NK cells in the appendix tissue was the highest in patients with appendix inflammation (37.2+1.1), while lowest in patients with colon cancer and normal appendix (30.9+1.7).

Conclusions: The decrease of NK cells in the appendix tissue is correlated with the increased incidence of right colon cancer.