Is serum matrix metalloproteinase 9 a useful biomarker in detection of colorectal cancer? Considering pre-analytical interference that may influence diagnostic accuracy
2008

Serum MMP-9 and Colorectal Cancer Detection

Sample size: 10 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Klaus Jung

Primary Institution: University Hospital Charité and Berlin Institute for Urologic Research, Berlin, Germany

Hypothesis

Is serum matrix metalloproteinase 9 a useful biomarker in detection of colorectal cancer?

Conclusion

Serum collected with or without clot activator should not be used to determine circulating MMP-9 concentrations due to pre-analytical issues.

Supporting Evidence

  • Serum MMP-9 concentrations do not reflect true circulating levels due to pre-analytical factors.
  • Plasma MMP-9 has been shown to have better diagnostic accuracy than serum MMP-9.
  • Different blood collection methods significantly affect MMP-9 concentration measurements.

Takeaway

This study shows that the way we collect blood samples can change the results of tests for a cancer marker called MMP-9, which might lead to wrong conclusions.

Methodology

Blood samples from 10 healthy adults were collected in different tubes and analyzed for MMP-9 concentrations.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the limited sample size and specific collection methods.

Limitations

The study only involved a small sample size of healthy adults and focused on pre-analytical conditions.

Participant Demographics

10 healthy adults

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604491

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication