CDCP1: A promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for human cancer

CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1), as an emerging transmembrane protein, is overexpressed in a variety of malignant tumors including respiratory tumors, digestive system cancers, hematological malignancies and urogenital cancers. Several cancer-related proteins have been reported to interact with CDCP1. It acts as a crucial hub in multiple classical signaling pathways of tumorigenesis and progression. Its overexpression and activation are also associated with prognosis and drug resistance. Due to its important roles in malignant tumors, CDCP1 is expected to be a promising therapeutic target for treatment and a new biomarker for diagnosis. In this article, we review the roles of CDCP1 in diagnosis and management of malignant tumors, and also its regulation in several essential tumor-related pathways.