[Pyruvate kinase M2 (tumor M2-PK) as a screening tool for colorectal cancer (CRC). A review of current published data].

Introduction: Colonoscopy is currently supposed to be the best screening tool for colorectal cancer. However, the acceptance of the population is very poor although it has been included in screening programs in the German health system since 2002. Therefore, evaluation of additional screening tools seems to be of great interest.

Faecal tumour M2 pyruvate kinase: a new, sensitive screening tool for colorectal cancer.

Proliferating cells, especially tumour cells, express a special isoenzyme of pyruvate kinase, termed M2-PK, which can occur in a tetrameric form with a high affinity to its substrate, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), and in a dimeric form with a low PEP affinity. In tumour cells, the dimeric form is usually predominant and is therefore termed Tumour M2-PK. The levels of Tumour M2-PK within tumours and in EDTA-plasma correlate with staging and the ability of the tumour cells to metastasise.

Fecal pyruvate kinase concentrations (ELISA based on a combination of clone 1 and clone 3 antibodies) for gastric cancer screening.

Background: Recently we were able to demonstrate that Tumor M2 Pyruvate Kinase (Tumor M2-PK) is detectable in the feces of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. In this study an ELISA based on a different combination of antibodies was used to investigate stool samples of GI cancer patients.

Patients And Methods: The ELISA (ScheBoBiotech AG, Giessen, Germany) was based on one antibody specific for Tumor M2-PK and a second antibody reacting with Tumor M2-PK, M1-PK and the tetrameric M2-PK.

Measurement of fecal pyruvate kinase type M2 (tumor M2-PK) concentrations in patients with gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, colorectal adenomas and controls.

Background: The determination of Tumor M2 Pyruvate Kinase (Tumor M2-PK) in EDTA plasma has been described as a tumor marker in a variety of different tumor types. Since most GI tumors grow intraluminally, it appeared interesting to determine whether Tumor M2-PK is detectable in the feces of tumor patients.

Materials And Methods: Measurements were performed with a commercially available ELISA (ScheBo Biotech AG, Giessen, Germany) modified for fecal analysis.