NuMA: Evaluation of a new biomarker for the detection of low stage colorectal cancer

An enzyme immunoassay for NuMA was evaluated in a retrospective clinical st udy for its potential utility in the detection of colorectal cancer. The co ncentrations of NuMA and CEA (Abbott IMx) were measured in sera from 86 pat ients (presurgical) with colorectal cancer, 72 subjects with benign gastroi ntestinal diseases, 80 subjects with risk factors for colorectal cancer, an d 141 age-matched healthy subjects. Reference values for NuMA and CEA were calculated by two methods: 95% cumulative distribution and ROC analyses ver sus healthy subjects. By the first method, NuMA and CEA both had approximat ely 20% sensitivity for colorectal cancel: By the second method (which gene rated lower reference values), NuMA was more sensitive than CEA for colorec tal cancer. This improved sensitivity was most evident in Dukes B subjects. By either analysis method, NuMA was more sensitive than CEA for subjects a t risk for developing colorectal cancer whereas CEA was more specific for b enign gastrointestinal diseases.