Aberrant tumor-associated antigen autoantibody profiles in healthy controls detected by multiplex bead-based immunoassay.
There is an increasing amount of emphasis being placed on serological biomarkers as tools for early detection of various cancers. In addition to the tumor-related circulating antigens under current investigation, autoantibodies to tumor-associated antigens are emerging as alternative candidates due to their potential high sensitivity and specificity. Already a number of specific autoantibodies have been identified and several groups have reported on the ability of panels of autoantibodies to discriminate malignant from non-malignant conditions. In this investigation we evaluate tumor-associated antigen autoantibody profiles in a group of healthy individuals. We identify a subset of individuals that demonstrate high levels of autoantibody production across the spectrum of tumor-associated antigens tested. We conclude that this observation is a result of undefined non-malignant autoimmune stimulation. Our findings may be an indication of factors present in the general population that may confound multiplex autoantibody-based diagnostic tests by reducing assay specificity. Such factors will require further characterization and the development of adequate controls in order to improve the performance of diagnostic tests.
Nolen
Brian
B
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue 1.18, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Winans
Matt
M
Marrangoni
Adele
A
Lokshin
Anna
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008863:Microspheres; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D001323:Autoantibodies; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor