Free circulating DNA as possible tumour marker in colorectal cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of free circulating DNA (CFDNA) as a potential tumour marker in patients suffering from colorectal cancer (CRC).


METHODS
The quantification of plasma DNA was determined through the use of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the RNAse P gene. We studied patients undergoing surgery for primary CRC, at different stages of disease and a cohort of comparable healthy donors. Data were statistically analysed using Student's t-test.


RESULTS
The mean DNA index of the tumour samples was 4771 ng/ml, about 50 times higher in comparison with healthy donors (mean value 0.85 ng/ml). In contrast the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) value of these patients was altered in only 47% of cases.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that circulating free DNA levels in plasma of patients with CRC are significantly higher compared to healthy subjects, and suggest a new, non-invasive, approach for colon cancer detection and to identify high risk individuals for CRC screening.
Boni
L
L
Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. luigi.boni@uninsubria.it
Cassinotti
E
E
Canziani
M
M
Dionigi
G
G
Rovera
F
F
Dionigi
R
R
D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000601:surgery; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm