Soluble CD26 Levels and Its Association to Epidemiologic Parameters in a Sample Population

INTRODUCTION Previous studies have suggested the use of soluble CD26 (sCD26) as a tumour marker for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas. The aim of this study was to assess the sCD26 concentration in a large cohort to evaluate its association to epidemiologic parameters and CRC-related symptoms/pathologies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Serum samples were collected from 2,754 putatively healthy individuals with ages ranging from 30-65 years, and with personal or familial history of polyps, CRC and/or CR symptoms. sCD26 levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS No association was found between the sCD26 concentration and age (< 50 and 50), the personal or familial history of polyps or CRC, rectal bleeding, haemorrhoids or diverticula. However, sCD26 was related to non-inflammatory benign pathologies (excluding rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, haemorrhoids, diverticula) and to inflammatory benign pathologies. DISCUSSION Our results confirm that the sCD26 can be easily offered and evaluated in a large cohort. Additionally, the validation of sCD26 as a tumour marker for screening and case-finding purposes requires a further comparison with an established non-invasive test like the faecal occult blood.