Increased Serum Midkine Levels in Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Ikematsu S, Yano A, Aridome K, Kikuchi M, Kumai H, Nagano H, Okamoto K, Oda M, Sakuma S, Aikou T, Muramatsu H, Kadomatsu K, Muramatsu T
Primary Institution: Meiji Cell Technology Center
Hypothesis
The level of midkine in serum is increased in patients with various types of carcinomas.
Conclusion
Serum midkine levels are significantly elevated in cancer patients and could serve as a general tumor marker.
Supporting Evidence
- Serum midkine levels in controls were 0.154 ± 0.076 ng ml–1.
- 87% of cancer patients showed serum midkine levels above 0.5 ng ml–1.
- All ten types of cancer examined showed elevated serum midkine levels.
Takeaway
This study found that a substance called midkine is higher in the blood of people with cancer, which might help doctors find cancer earlier.
Methodology
An enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to measure serum midkine levels in cancer patients and controls.
Participant Demographics
135 controls and 150 cancer patients were included in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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