Detecting Oesophageal Cancer with Mcm5 Protein in Stomach Samples
Author Information
Author(s): Williams G H, Swinn R, Prevost A T, de Clive-Lowe P, Halsall I, Going J J, Hales C N, Stoeber K, Middleton S J
Primary Institution: University College London
Hypothesis
Can the detection of minichromosome maintenance 5 (Mcm5) protein in gastric aspirates serve as an effective diagnostic tool for oesophageal cancer?
Conclusion
The immunofluorometric Mcm5 test shows high sensitivity and specificity for detecting oesophageal cancer in gastric aspirates.
Supporting Evidence
- The Mcm5 test had a sensitivity of 95% at the lower detection limit.
- The area under the ROC curve for the Mcm5 test was 0.93, indicating high accuracy.
- Patients with oesophageal cancer had significantly higher Mcm5 levels compared to those without.
- Inflammatory conditions did not produce false-positive results in the Mcm5 test.
- Three cases of adenocarcinoma were associated with severely dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus.
Takeaway
Doctors can find out if someone has oesophageal cancer by checking a special protein in their stomach juice, which is easier than doing a big surgery.
Methodology
Gastric aspirates were collected from patients undergoing gastroscopy, and Mcm5 levels were measured using an immunofluorometric assay.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection and the reliance on endoscopic findings as the gold standard.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size and specific patient demographics.
Participant Demographics
{"male":24,"female":16,"median_age":74,"age_range":"40-90"}
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI=0.85–0.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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