A COMBINED BIOMARKER APPROACH IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF COLORECTAL CANCER

• Published in: Romanian archives of microbiology and immunology Vol. 82; no. 3; pp. 178 - 186
• Main Authors: Farc, Ovidiu, Zaharie, Florin, Ţăulean, Roman, Vălean, Dan, Neagoe, Ioana Berindan, Budisan, Liviuta, Zănoagă, Oana, Lucaci, Elvira, Georgiu, Aurelian, Cristea, Victor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bucharest Institutul Cantacuzino 01.07.2023
• Subjects: Biomarkers; Cell adhesion & migration; Cell adhesion molecules; Colorectal cancer; Colorectal carcinoma; Cytokines; Diagnosis; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Enzymes; Gastroenterology; Hepatology; Inflammatory diseases; Intercellular adhesion molecule 1; Interleukin 8; Matrilysin; Matrix metalloproteinase; Metalloproteinase; P-selectin; Regression analysis; Serum levels; Software; Tumors; United States > US
• ISSN: 1222-3891

Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a tumor with a constantly increasing incidence. Among the diagnostic approaches studied, biomarker combinations have so far performed better than single biomarkers. The present study aims to investigate the potential contribution of several such combinations to the noninvasive diagnosis of CRC. Methods: Serum levels of a cytokine (IL-8), two cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and P-selectin-Psel) and a matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP-7) were measured by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) in thirty-one CRC patients and thirty-three healthy controls. The biomarker potential of combinations between these molecules was tested by logistic regression. Results: The tested combinations had good biomarker potential, with AUCs (Areas under the curve) between 0.841 and 0.857, sensitivities (Sn) ranging from 0.77 to 0.87, and specificities (Sp) between 0.7 and 0.85. The best performance was recorded for the combination IL8-Psel-MMP7, with an AUC of 0.857, Sn of 0.85, and Sp of 0.80. For the early stages of CRC, the same combination had an AUC of 0.850, Sn of 0.81, and Sp of 0.85. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the significant potential of biomarker combinations in the diagnosis of CRC, particularly in the early stages. The IL8-Psel-MMP7 combination, in particular, demonstrates the highest biomarker capability, offering a promising avenue for non-invasive diagnosis of CRC.