LAUSR

Simple Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health problem, being a major cause of cancer death worldwide. Hence, the identification of biomarkers able to support CRC detection is crucial. This work analyses a panel of six biomarkers, namely interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, haemoglobin (Hb) and M2-pyruvate kinase (M2-PK), in stool samples from patients with CRC, advanced adenomas, other lesions and healthy individuals. Our results indicate that the levels of Hb and M2-PK were increased in CRC patients in comparison to the controls. Moreover, the combination of these biomarkers increased the specificity or sensitivity for CRC detection and thus present potential for diagnosis of CRC. Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cancer progression, including invasion and metastasis, is a major cause of death among CRC patients. Current methods for CRC screening commonly consist of a combination of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for stool occult blood detection and invasive procedures such as colonoscopy. Considering the slow progression of CRC, and that symptoms usually emerge at advanced stages, its early diagnostic can limit cancer’s spread and provide a successful treatment. Biomarkers have a high potential for the diagnosis of CRC in either blood or stool samples. Methods: In this study, we analysed the diagnostic value of six different biomarkers in stool samples of patients with CRC, advanced adenomas, other lesions and healthy individuals. We have also assessed the overall performance of the combination of these biomarkers for CRC detection. Results: The results indicate that haemoglobin (Hb) and M2-pyruvate kinase (M2-PK) levels were increased in CRC patients in comparison to the controls. Conversely, the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were not significantly different between the tested groups. Conclusion: The combination of FIT-Hb with the M2-PK levels increased the specificity or sensitivity for CRC detection and thus present potential as faecal diagnostic biomarkers for CRC.