Fecal pyruvate kinase-M2 (tumor M2-PK) measurement: a new screening concept for colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with major impact on public health and public health costs. Colonoscopy is purportedly the best screening tool for CRC. However, the acceptance by the general population is very poor. Therefore evaluation of additional screening tools is of great interest.


METHODS
The use of M2-PK measurement in the feces has been reported in 6 studies to date. The data of these studies were analysed and critically reviewed. Additionally, 1,906 persons undergoing routine health care check-up provided stool samples for M2-PK measurement.


RESULTS
The overall sensitivity of M2-PK is 77.9% for CRC. Specificity ranges from 74.3 to 83.3%. Of the 1,906 screened persons, 90.4% had results within the normal range, while 9.6% had elevated results.


CONCLUSIONS
Measurement of tumor M2-PK in feces seems to be the most promising tool for CRC screening at the present time. In combination with colonoscopy, this test should hence be recommended for CRC screening programs.
Ewald
Nils
N
Third Medical Department, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Giessen Site, Germany. nils.ewald@innere.med.uni-giessen.de
Schaller
Markus
M
Bayer
Martin
M
Akinci
Ahmet
A
Bretzel
Reinhard G
RG
Kloer
Hans-Ulrich
HU
Hardt
Philip D
PD
D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011770:Pyruvate Kinase / Q000032:analysis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D011770:Pyruvate Kinase