Response to Comments on MMP-9 and Colorectal Neoplasia
Author Information
Author(s): Hurst N G
Primary Institution: Department of Surgery, Derby City General Hospital
Hypothesis
Can serum matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) concentration predict the presence of colorectal neoplasia in symptomatic patients?
Conclusion
The study's model for predicting neoplasia was based on raw sMMP9 concentrations and adjusted for age, with a corrected R2 value indicating a stronger relationship than previously reported.
Supporting Evidence
- The model was based on all patients, not just disease-free ones.
- Age was a significant factor in the risk of neoplasia.
- The reported R2 value was corrected from 0.027 to 0.44.
Takeaway
The researchers are saying that they made a mistake in their earlier report about how well MMP-9 levels can predict cancer, and they fixed it to show that age matters too.
Methodology
The model was based on all patients in the study, using raw sMMP9 concentrations and adjusting for age through regression analysis.
Limitations
The study was preliminary and based on a high-prevalence group rather than a screening-target group.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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