Improving Urgent Referrals for Colorectal Cancer with MMP-9 Testing
Author Information
Author(s): Ryan Angela V, Wilson Sue, Wakelam Michael JO, Warmington Sally A, Dunn Janet A, Hobbs Richard FD, Martin Ashley, Ismail Tariq
Primary Institution: University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
Can measuring MMP-9 levels improve the appropriateness of urgent referrals for patients with bowel symptoms?
Conclusion
Measuring MMP-9 levels could help general practitioners identify patients who are most likely to have bowel cancer, potentially improving referral processes.
Supporting Evidence
- Bowel cancer is a major cause of death, with many patients not being diagnosed despite urgent referrals.
- Increased MMP-9 levels are associated with bowel cancer and can be measured from a blood sample.
- A pilot study indicated a sensitivity of 99% for MMP-9 in detecting colorectal neoplasia.
Takeaway
This study is trying to find out if a blood test can help doctors decide who really needs to see a specialist for bowel problems.
Methodology
Participants aged 18 and older will complete a questionnaire and provide a blood sample to measure MMP-9 levels, with results compared to hospital records.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in participant selection and self-reporting of symptoms.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing bowel cancer diagnosis, and the reliance on self-reported data could introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 18 and older referred to a colorectal clinic.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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