CD44v6 is associated with tumor aggressiveness and chemoresistance in bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer is a fast-moving and recurrent malignancy where survival hinges on early detection and precise risk stratification. The search for robust biomarkers is urgent, and CD44v6 has emerged as a compelling candidate. In this study, we explored the clinical and functional associations of CD44v6 expression in bladder cancer. Integrated analyses of patient samples and cell lines showed that high CD44v6 expression is strongly associated with poor patient outcomes, enhanced migratory and invasive behavior, and increased resistance to cisplatin. These results suggest that CD44v6 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in bladder cancer. Overall, our findings highlight the translational relevance of CD44v6 and provide a foundation for future studies aimed at elucidating the mechanistic pathways underlying its role in tumor aggressiveness and chemoresistance.