Soluble E-cadherin fragments increased in circulation of cancer patients
1994

Soluble E-cadherin Fragments in Cancer Patients

Sample size: 140 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): M. Katayama, S. Hirai, K. Kamihagi, K. Nakagawa, M. Yasumoto, I. Kato

Primary Institution: Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd

Hypothesis

Can soluble E-cadherin levels in serum be used as a tumor marker for cancer patients?

Conclusion

Soluble E-cadherin levels are significantly elevated in cancer patients compared to healthy individuals, indicating its potential as a tumor marker.

Supporting Evidence

  • Serum E-cadherin levels in cancer patients were significantly higher than in healthy subjects.
  • 53.7% of cancer patients exhibited elevated soluble E-cadherin levels.
  • Patients with gastric cancer had an average E-cadherin level of 3.51 µg/ml.
  • Patients with hepatocellular cancer had an average E-cadherin level of 5.55 µg/ml.
  • Diabetic patients did not show elevated E-cadherin levels compared to healthy subjects.

Takeaway

Doctors found that a special protein called E-cadherin is higher in the blood of cancer patients, which might help them check for cancer.

Methodology

Monoclonal antibodies were used in an immunoenzymometric assay to measure soluble E-cadherin levels in serum samples from cancer patients and healthy individuals.

Limitations

The study did not include patients who had received prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Participant Demographics

The study included 140 individuals: 56 healthy subjects, 26 diabetic patients, 4 patients with acute hepatitis, and 54 cancer patients.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

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