FECAL CALPROTECTIN - A NOVEL TEST FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF COLORECTAL-CANCER

Calprotectin, a prominent cytosol protein in neutrophil granulocytes, was present in increased concentrations in stools from 50 of 53 patien ts with colorectal cancer, 32 of 40 patients with colorectal polyps, a nd all of 18 patients with gastric cancer. After radical surgery, faec al calprotectin levels reverted to the normal range in all but one pat ient with colorectal cancer. Calprotectin determinations are simplifie d by the stability of this protein in stools. Reliable estimates can b e obtained in samples of only 5 g. On the basis of data from the liter ature, the test for calprotectin seems better than that for occult blo od for the detection of gastrointestinal neoplasms.