Source
Third Medical Department, Giessen University Hospital, Rodthohl 6, D-35385 Giessen, Germany. philip.d.hardt@innere.med.uni-giessen.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The determination of Tumor M2 Pyruvate Kinase (Tumor M2-PK) in EDTA plasma has been described as a tumor marker in a variety of different tumor types. Since most GI tumors grow intraluminally, it appeared interesting to determine whether Tumor M2-PK is detectable in the feces of tumor patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Measurements were performed with a commercially available ELISA (ScheBo Biotech AG, Giessen, Germany) modified for fecal analysis. Samples of controls, GI cancer and adenoma patients were tested.
RESULTS:
Fecal Tumor M2-PK concentrations could be quantified. A significant difference between cancer patients and controls was found. The highest concentrations were observed in colorectal cancer. However, fecal Tumor M2-PK was not detectable in 5 tumor patients.
CONCLUSION:
The measurement of fecal Tumor M2-PK concentrations might provide an interesting screening tool for colorectal cancer. Further studies comparing the determination of Tumor M2-PK in stool to occult blood in stool are in progress.