Faecal tumour pyruvate kinase M2: not a good marker for the detection of colorectal adenomas
2008

Concerns About Faecal Tumour Pyruvate Kinase M2 as a Colorectal Cancer Marker

Sample size: 1100 Commentary Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Shastri Y M, Stein J M

Primary Institution: St Elisabethen Hospital, Katharina Kasper Kliniken, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Conclusion

Faecal M2-PK is not a reliable biomarker for detecting colorectal adenomas.

Supporting Evidence

  • Previous studies have shown that faecal M2-PK has poor sensitivity and specificity for detecting colorectal adenomas.
  • The study design included patients younger than the recommended age for screening, which is a limitation.
  • Exclusion of non-German speakers may introduce bias in the study results.

Takeaway

The study suggests that a test called faecal M2-PK doesn't work well for finding early signs of colon cancer.

Methodology

The study involved screening asymptomatic patients over 55 years for colorectal cancer using faecal M2-PK.

Potential Biases

Patients with insufficient knowledge of German were excluded, which may introduce bias.

Limitations

The study included patients younger than the recommended age for screening, which raises questions about its design.

Participant Demographics

Patients scheduled for colonoscopic CRC screening, primarily older than 55 years.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604656

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication