CD44 and colorectal carcinoma: (iii) Most WCCPS samples, except NA, decreased Ep-CAM expression, a surface marker associated with stemness and poor prognosis in CRC [96], suggesting a disruption of CSC maintenance mechanisms, (iv) The 5TB sample reduced CD44, a transmembrane glycoprotein and key stemness marker involved in EMT, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance.