Evaluating Serum MMP-9 for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Author Information
Author(s): Sue Wilson, Michael Wakelam, Richard Hobbs, Angela Ryan, Janet Dunn, Val Redman, Fiona Patrick, Lynne Colbourne, Ashley Martin, Tariq Ismail
Primary Institution: The University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of serum MMP-9 as a test for colorectal cancer in a primary care population.
Conclusion
Serum MMP-9 has the potential to be an accurate and acceptable screening test for colorectal cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Colorectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Most colorectal cancers arise from adenomas, which can be detected early.
- Current screening methods have high false positive rates and are often unacceptable to patients.
Takeaway
Researchers are testing a blood test called MMP-9 to see if it can help find bowel cancer early, which could save lives.
Methodology
Participants aged 50-69 with colorectal symptoms will provide blood samples for MMP-9 testing and undergo colonoscopy for comparison.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of selection bias based on socio-demographic or symptom status.
Limitations
The study may be affected by spectrum bias due to the population being tested.
Participant Demographics
Participants will be aged 50-69 years from general practices in the West Midlands Region.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website