Tumour M2-pyruvate kinase: a gastrointestinal cancer markerYogesh Kumar, Niteen Tapuria, Naveed Kirmani and Brian R. Davidson
Background Gastrointestinal cancer tumour markers are
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) plasma tumour
valuable in the detection of recurrence following resection
M2-pyruvate kinase were analysed together as a small
or in monitoring response to chemotherapy. CEA, CA19-9,
CA-50 and CA72-4 are currently available but arenonspecific and have a low sensitivity.‘Tumour M2-pyruvate
Results At a diagnostic cut-off value of 15 U/ml for
kinase’ was described by Eigenbrodt around 1985. In
tumour M2-pyruvate kinase in EDTA plasma the sensitivity,
cancers the active tetrameric form of the M2 isoenzyme of
specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive value
pyruvate kinase converted to an inactive dimeric form by
was 57.3, 89, 85.7 and 64.8%, respectively, for colorectal
direct interaction with oncoproteins to channel glucose
cancers, 62.1, 89, 88 and 64%, respectively, for gastric/
carbons into DNA synthesis. This review summarizes the
oesophageal cancers and 72.5, 89, 58 and 94%,
current knowledge of this unique tumour marker with
respectively, for pancreatic cancers. As a faecal marker for
regard to its biochemistry, assay and potential use as a
colorectal cancers, faecal tumour M2-pyruvate kinase has a
diagnostic and screening tool in gastrointestinal cancer.
sensitivity of 73–92% at a cut-off value of 4 U/ml as against50% sensitivity for Guaiac faecal test.
Methods A literature search was conducted for entriesfrom 1980 to 2005 using PubMed and NeLH databases
Conclusion Circulating tumour M2-pyruvate kinase is
using tumour M2-pyruvate kinase, faecal tumour M2-
more commonly elevated in oesophageal, gastric and
pyruvate kinase, tumour metabolism, tumour markers and
colorectal cancer patients than conventional tumour
carcinoembryonic antigen as keywords. A total of 56
markers. Faecal M2-pyruvate kinase is a sensitive marker
references relevant to tumour M2-pyruvate kinase were
of colorectal cancer. The clinical role of tumour M2-
retrieved. Eighteen references were clinical studies
pyruvate kinase in gastrointestinal cancer management
involving plasma/faecal tumour M2-pyruvate kinase and
should be investigated in large-scale clinical trials.
gastrointestinal cancer. The remaining 38 references were
Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 19:265–276
clinical/nonclinical trials and reviews on tumour
metabolism and plasma/faecal tumour M2-pyruvate kinaseassay. Seven of the 18 clinical studies involved faecal
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2007, 19:265–276
M2-pyruvate kinase. Three of the 11 plasma tumour
Keywords: M2-pyruvate kinase, pyruvate kinase, tumour M2-pyruvate
M2-pyruvate kinase studies were non-English language
and were excluded. The sensitivity, specificity, positivepredictive and negative predictive value for plasma/serum
Department of Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, Royal Free and University CollegeMedical School, London
tumour M2-pyruvate kinase in the detection ofgastrointestinal cancer was determined for each of the
Correspondence to Professor Brian R. Davidson, FRCS, MD, University
remaining eight studies. Data for gastrointestinal cancer
Department of Surgery, 9th Floor, Royal Free and University College Medical
M2-pyruvate kinase were compared with other
School of UCL, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UKTel: + 44 20 85273081; e-mail: [email protected]
gastrointestinal cancer markers. Data from three of theeight studies using a diagnostic cut-off value of 15 U/ml for
Received 3 March 2006 Accepted 25 August 2006
limited to detecting recurrence after surgery or monitor-
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is one of the commonest
ing response to treatment. Even the most commonly used
causes of cancer death in Europe [1,2]. In the UK,
GI tumour marker, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), has
colorectal cancer accounts for 12% of all cancers. It is the
been repeatedly questioned regarding its clinical useful-
second most common cancer among women after breast
cancer and the third most common in men after lung andprostate cancer [3]. Stomach and pancreatic cancer
Tumour M2-pyruvate kinase (PK), the inactive dimeric
account for 3% of all reported cases of cancer [3]. The
form of the M2 isoenzyme of PK (a glycolytic pathway
high mortality of GI cancers may relate to their advanced
enzyme), was first described in 1985 by Eigenbrodt as a
stage at diagnosis and early detection is an important way
tumour characteristic metabolic marker [6–8]. Initial
of reducing cancer mortality. Current tumour markers
studies in patients with cancers of the lung, pancreas,
have a low sensitivity for detecting cancer and their role is
liver, kidney and breast showed increased activity of PK
Copyright Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
266 European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2007, Vol 19 No 3
type M2 in blood as well as cancer tissues and its role is
former group is likely to have advanced disease. Serum
emerging in the management of GI cancers [9–14]. It can
CEA can also be increased in other forms of cancer and in
be measured in both blood and faeces. The review aims
multiple benign disorders [68]. A high preoperative
to provide a critical review of the current literature on
serum CEA level is associated with a poor outcome in
tumour M2-PK as a marker of GI cancer.
colorectal cancer [66,69–74]. Unfortunately, no clinicalbenefit has been demonstrated by the use of adjuvant
chemotherapy based solely on increased preoperativeCEA concentration [5]. Elevated CEA levels following
A literature search was conducted for the period from
bowel cancer resection is also correlated with an adverse
1980 to 2005 using PubMed and NeLH databases using
outcome [5]. In a landmark study Moertel et al. [75]
the following keywords: tumour M2-pyruvate kinase,
demonstrated that CEA monitoring following bowel
faecal tumour M2-pyruvate kinase, tumour metabolism,
cancer resection had a 59% sensitivity rate for recurrence,
tumour markers and carcinoembryonic antigen. A total of
but with a 16% false-positive rate. In a randomized
56 references relevant to tumour M2-PK were retrieved.
prospective study, Ohlsson et al. [76] showed no
Thirty-eight references were reviews, book chapters and
difference in 5-year survival rate or cancer-specific
bibliographic links from the reviews on tumour M2-PK
survival rates between an intensive CEA-based follow-
biochemistry, assay and measurement [6–11,13–44].
up and a group with no follow-up. Recent meta-analyses
Eighteen references were the clinical trials involving
of randomized trials suggest that intensive CEA, com-
circulating/faecal tumour M2-PK and GI cancer [12,45–
puted tomography scan and colonoscopy-based post-
61]. Seven of these 18 clinical studies were related to
operative surveillance improves 5-year survival rates by
faecal tumour M2-PK in GI cancer [49,53–58]. Of the
approximately 10% compared with less intensive follow-
remaining 11 studies for plasma/serum tumour M2-PK,
up [77–79]. Current guidelines by the National Institute
three studies were in non-English language and have
for Clinical Excellence, therefore, recommend the
been excluded [59–61]. Full papers on eight studies with
measurement of CEA along with serial imaging following
serum/plasma tumour M2-PK and GI cancer were
reviewed [12,45–48,50–52]. The sensitivity, specificity,positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictivevalue (NPV) were calculated for tumour M2-PK for
individual GI cancer types and in comparison with other
This is an oligosaccharide related to the Lewis A blood
cancer markers. Three [46,48,50] of the eight studies,
group substance [4]. It has been proposed as a sensitive
which all used the same diagnostic cut-off value of
marker for pancreatic, gastric and hepatobiliary malig-
15 U/ml for EDTA plasma tumour M2-PK, were used for a
nancies [81]. CA19-9 is elevated in nearly 80% of
small meta-analysis. Only one full published English
advanced pancreatic cancer patients. The false-positive
language paper [55] on faecal tumour M2-PK is available.
rates, however, are also high at 20–30% in benign
The rest of the data on faecal tumour M2-PK was
hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases [82]. Other benign
obtained from two clinical trials [49,58], two published
conditions associated with elevated CA19-9 levels include
abstracts [53,54] and two German studies with English
pneumonia, pleural effusion, renal failure and systemic
lupus erythematosus (SLE) [81]. Recent reviews andmulticentre studies [83,84] have questioned the clinicalsignificance of elevated levels of CA19-9. Confident
Current gastrointestinal tumour markers – roles
discrimination between benign and malignant disease
cannot be made on the basis of a solitary elevated CA19-9
( > 33 U/ml) measurement [84]. Elevated levels are
This glycoprotein has a structural similarity to the
associated with advanced disease at presentation and
with disease progression during follow-up [83]. The
(ICAM)-1 and ICAM-2 [62,63], suggesting a role in
clinical role of the tumour markers CEA and CA19-9 in GI
cancer invasion and dissemination [64,65]. It can be
cancer diagnosis and management is limited and new
measured in the serum and its clinical use has been
investigated in GI cancers. It is less frequently elevatedin early stage (Duke’s A and B) colon cancers, the stagesat which early detection is most likely to result in curative
surgery. In a study by Wang et al. [66] the proportion of
The term tumour metabolome (in analogy to tumour
patients with increased serum CEA concentration
genome and tumour proteome) was coined by Mazurek
( > 5 ng/ml) in Duke’s A and Duke’s B stage disease
and Eigenbrodt in 2001 for the metabolic characteristics
were 25 and 39%, respectively, compared with 71% in
of tumour cells [19,20,24]. In differentiated cells glucose
Duke’s C stage. As pointed out by Fletcher [67,68],
is mainly converted to pyruvate via glycolysis and
sensitivity in symptomatic individuals is likely to be
thereafter to CO2 and water or lactate depending on
higher than in the asymptomatic individuals, because the
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Tumour M2-pyruvate kinase Kumar et al. 267
The final reaction of glycolysis is catalysed by the highly
regulated enzyme, PK. This enzyme mediates thetransfer of high energy phosphate of phosphoenolpyr-
uvate (PEP) to generate ATP and pyruvate in differ-
entiated cells. PK has different isoenzymes. L-PK ispresent in tissues with gluconeogenesis such as the liver
and kidney, R-PK is present in erythrocytes and M1-PK isfound in tissues requiring large amounts of energy such as
the brain and muscle [6,7,13,25,41]. M2-PK is present in
all proliferating cells such as embryonic and adult stemcells, but especially in tumour cells. M2-PK can occur in ahighly active tetrameric form with high affinity for its
substrate PEP and in an inactive dimeric form with a low
affinity to PEP [6–8,18–20,24,26,41]. The tetrameric
form is associated with other glycolytic enzymes within
the so-called glycolytic enzyme complex which leads to a
[7,13,18,25,41]. In tumour cells the dimeric form is
always predominant and has therefore been labelled astumour M2-PK [7,18,24,26,37] (Fig. 1). The dimeric
form switches to the tetrameric form with high levels of
fructose 1,6 bi-phosphates in tumour cells [18]. During
tumourogenesis, different tissues with totally different
basic metabolism, for example, liver and brain, shift to thesame metabolic phenotype [18]. The common result is
increased glycolysis, glutaminolysis, expansion of phos-
phometabolites and a shift of metabolism to the synthesisof nucleic acids, amino acids and phospholipids [6–8,18–20,26,29,38,41,85]. Energy production is facilitated by an
alternative pathway called glutaminolysis [28] (degrada-
tion of the amino acid glutamine to lactate), which
depends on an adequate oxygen supply and high NAD(P)
levels [6,18,21,41]. In the absence of oxygen, M2-PK is
reactivated to the tetrameric form by high bi-phosphate
levels and glutaminolysis is inhibited, thereby switching
M2-PK may act as a sensor of the tumour metabolomeallowing the tumour cells to adapt to varying oxygen andnutrient supply. Although tumour cells are able tocompensate for nutrient starvation for a while, if NAD(P)
levels are low then both glycolysis and glutaminolysis are
inhibited and tumour apoptosis occurs [18]. A similar
M2-pyruvate kinase (M2-PK) in normal proliferating cells and cancer
mechanism for tumour cell apoptosis is induced by
cells. The tetrameric form is predominantly present in normal cells
chemotherapeutic drugs in which decreased NAD(P)
while the dimeric form is predominant in cancer cells. Reproduced
levels result in the inability of tumour cells to recycle
M2-PK is a target of different oncoproteins with totally
Quantification of tumour M2-pyruvate kinase
pp60v-src kinase [30] and HPV-16 E7 [22]. The pp60v-
Tumour M2-PK can be detected by a highly sensitive
src kinase phosphorylates M2-PK in tyrosine. The E7
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which
oncoprotein of the human papilloma virus type 16
allows the quantitative measurement of tumour M2-PK
directly binds to M2-PK. Thus the tetrameric form of
in EDTA-plasma samples. The test is based on two
M2-PK is dissociated to the dimeric form during
monoclonal antibodies, which specifically react with
transformation of normal cells to oncoprotein-expressing
tumour M2-PK and do not cross-react with the other
isoforms of PK (types L, R and M1) [31,32,86]. Tumour
Copyright Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
268 European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2007, Vol 19 No 3
M2-PK is adsorbed onto microtitre wells coated with a
Factors affecting tumour M2-pyruvate kinase
specific monoclonal antibody. It is quantified after
incubation with a biotinylated second monoclonal anti-
body and with streptavidine–peroxidase conjugate [86].
Tumour M2-PK levels in EDTA plasma have been found
The mean intra-assay coefficient of variance (CV) is 3.5%
to be elevated in bacterial infection as opposed to severe
and the mean interassay coefficient of variance is 5.3%
sepsis and polytrauma [35]. Other benign conditions
[33,34]. A reference concentration of r 15.0 U/ml in
reported to have tumour M2-PK elevations include:
EDTA plasma corresponds to a specificity of 90% for a
rheumatic diseases [16], diabetic nephropathy [15],
control group of patients without cancer (n = 393) [34]
chronic cardiac failure [36], inflammatory bowel disease
(Fig. 2). A study involving 695 healthy controls showed a
[48] and acute and chronic pancreatitis [45]. Plasma
specificity of 95% at a diagnostic cut-off value of 17.5 U/
tumour M2-PK, at cut-off value of 25 U/ml is elevated in
ml in EDTA-plasma samples [17]. The tumour M2-PK
39% of patients with diabetic nephropathy [15]. In
concentration in these healthy individuals ranged from 2
chronic cardiac failure (CCF), the median tumour M2-PK
to 30 U/ml with a median value of 6 U/ml. Tumour M2-PK
level in plasma of patients with NYHA grade-2 disease
concentrations have been shown to be affected by
was 24 U/ml, with grade-3 disease was 30 U/ml and with
haemolysis of blood samples (median value: 50.5 U/ml),
grade-4 disease was 46 U/ml. The diagnostic cut-off value
icterus (median value: 39.1 U/ml) and lipaemia (median
for CCF was 5 U/ml. How often it was elevated in both
value: 30.8 U/ml). A correlation with the severity of these
controls and patients with CCF was not mentioned in
conditions, however, has not been reported [17].
this study [36]. The mechanism suggested for the rise inplasma tumour M2-PK value in patients with heart
disease was the increased glycolysis to meet the
Tumour M2-PK can be measured in stool by a similar
metabolic demand related to the increased ventilation
ELISA technique using the same monoclonal antibody as
and neurohormonal activation, for example, seen in CCF.
used in the serum/plasma assay. A reference concentra-
An alternative explanation was that the increased
tion of 4 U/ml corresponds to a specificity of 83% for a
bilirubin and triglycerides levels commonly observed in
control group of individuals aged 50 to 89 years [44]. The
CCF patients had caused analytical interference with the
intra-assay mean CV was 7.9% and the interassay mean
tumour M2-PK assay. These postulations were not
investigated although the authors had ruled out the
Distribution of tumour M2-PK (M2-pyruvate kinase) levels in 393 noncancer controls with 90% of subjects had tumour M2-PK levels below 15 U/ml
(data obtained by personal communication with ScheBo Biotech, Giessen, Germany).
Copyright Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
Tumour M2-pyruvate kinase Kumar et al. 269
impaired renal function seen in CCF as a cause of
tumour M2-PK has a higher sensitivity than plasma
elevated plasma tumour M2-PK levels [36]. Oehler et al.
tumour M2-PK in determining cancer stage in colorectal
[35] studied the expression of PK type M2 in neutrophils
of polytrauma patients. Using Western blotting foridentifying M2-PK expression, they noticed strong
expression of M2-PK in 62% of polytrauma patients as
The level of tumour M2-PK in blood can be influenced
compared with none of the healthy volunteers. Oremek
by the mechanical stress of shaking the sample, the type
et al. [16] showed elevated levels of plasma tumour
of anticoagulant (EDTA, heparin, citrate), duration
M2-PK (diagnostic cut-off 17.5 U/ml) in different types of
before the blood sample is centrifuged and the tempera-
rheumatic diseases. It was elevated in 82% of rheumatoid
ture at which the centrifuged sample is stored. Hugo et al.
arthritis patients, 82% of seronegative spondyloarthritis
[33] observed a high reproducibility of tumour M2-PK
patients and 63% of patients with collagen disorders. The
levels in EDTA plasma but not with serum or citrated/
overall median value of plasma tumour M2-PK in
heparinized plasma blood samples from 10 healthy
rheumatic diseases was 26 U/ml. Plasma tumour M2-PK
volunteers. Shaking or leaving the samples at room
(diagnostic cut-off 15 U/ml) was elevated in 68% of
temperature for several hours before centrifugation led
patients with inflammatory bowel disease with a median
to a 2–3-fold increase of tumour M2-PK in serum and
value of 12 U/ml [48], 68% of patients with acute
heparin-plasma samples. In contrast, the quantification in
pancreatitis with a median value of 22 U/ml and 67% of
EDTA plasma and citrate plasma was absolutely stable
patients with chronic pancreatitis with a median value of
after 24 h [33]. Lymphocytes were found to be a potential
11 U/ml (cut-off 8.9 U/ml) [45]. These levels were
source for the increased concentration in serum and
significantly higher than the median levels in respective
citrate plasma [33]. After centrifugation the EDTA-
controls. The cause of this rise in tumour M2-PK value
plasma sample is stable for 3 days at 41C or for up to 1
with benign disease has not been elucidated in any of
year at – 201C [56,57]. No known factors are found that
these studies. The mechanism suggested is an increased
can interfere with the faecal tumour M2-PK levels.
glycolysis to meet the metabolic demand related to the
Excessive dilution of stool can lower the faecal M2-PK
stress of trauma and inflammatory reaction [45]. No
level. Therefore, a formed stool sample should always be
correlation between plasma tumour M2-PK levels and the
analysed. Undiluted stool extracts can be stored at 4–81C
severity activity index or C-reactive protein levels was
for 1 day or up to 4 weeks at – 201C without losing their
found in these inflammatory conditions [48]. Cross-
reactivity of monoclonal antibodies with the tetramericform of M2-PK cannot explain these results as the two
monoclonal antibodies used in these studies are highly
There have been no GI cancer studies so far correlating
specific to the dimeric form. The level of tumour M2-PK
M2-PK levels with the tumour size, grade and histological
in EDTA plasma should therefore be interpreted with
type. In renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients (n = 40), a
caution in patients with these benign conditions.
significant correlation was found between serum tumourM2-PK and RCC grade (50% in G1-RCC, 70% in G2-
Tumour M2-pyruvate kinase levels and tumour stage
RCC and 86% in G3-RCC) [37]. No correlation was
As with most tumour markers, the concentration of
found between serum tumour M2-PK levels and histo-
tumour M2-PK tends to increase with disease stage.
logical type or tumour diameter. Similarly in lung cancer
Zhang et al. [46] showed an increase in plasma tumour
neither plasma tumour M2-PK nor immunohistochemical
M2-PK levels with increasing tumour stage in gastric
staining showed significant correlation with the histo-
[compared with tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage],
logical type or differentiation of cancer but the concen-
colorectal (compared with Duke’s stage) and pancreatic
tration of tumour M2-PK in EDTA plasma correlated well
cancers (compared with TNM stage) [45]. The level of
tumour M2-PK in patients with pancreatic cancer(n = 60) differed significantly between those with stage
I–II disease and those with distant metastasis (stage IV).
Among non-GI cancers the association between tumour
Faecal M2-pyruvate kinase in screening for
M2-PK levels and disease stage has also been found
[24,37,40]. In lung tumours the sensitivity of tumour M2-
Following the completion of a pilot project based on
PK was observed to be 28% in stage I, increasing
centres in Scotland (Fife, Tayside and Grampian) and
progressively to 73% in stage IV. A similar correlation is
England (Coventry and Warwickshire) in which around
seen in renal cancer staging (Robson staging) with serum/
120 000 patients aged 50–69 years old were enrolled [88],
EDTA plasma tumour M2-PK increasing in sensitivity
the UK Department of Health announced the introduc-
from 60% in stages I and II to 100% in stage IV. Faecal
tion of national colorectal cancer screening, which will
levels of tumour M2-PK showed a strong correlation with
begin to be ‘rolled out’ from 2006 in England for men and
TNM and Duke’s staging in colorectal cancer [87]. Faecal
women aged 60–69 and from March 2007 in Scotland for
Copyright Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
270 European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2007, Vol 19 No 3
those aged 50–74 years [89]. Under these programmes
Koss et al. [53] found a specificity of 92%. At a cut-off of
patients will be offered a guaiac faecal occult blood
4 U/ml McLoughlin et al. [54] found a similarly high
(FOB) test every 2 years, with positive FOB test results
sensitivity of 95%. These studies also looked at the
being further investigated by diagnostic colonoscopy. A
sensitivity for the detection of polyps, finding a
similar approach is also currently being assessed in
sensitivity of 63% for adenoma [54], 63% for polyps
Australia [90]. Randomized trials of screening by FOB
> 1 cm [53] and 25% for polyps < 1 cm [53]. One study
test have been shown to reduce the disease-specific
has compared faecal tumour M2-PK with a guaiac and an
mortality by 15–18% although screening for cancer
immunological FOB test [57]. Sensitivity of the guaiac
remains controversial owing to the large number of
FOB test was only 27% for colorectal cancer and 10% for
false-positive results [88,91,92]. The data from the
polyps, whereas it was 77 and 48%, respectively, for faecal
Nottingham study showed a positive predictive value of
tumour M2-PK and 91 and 19%, respectively, for the
only 12% (false-positive rate 88%) for colorectal cancer in
immunological FOB test. Specificity was 89, 72 and 94%,
individuals who underwent subsequent colonoscopy after
respectively. Small meta-analyses of studies with faecal
FOB test [91]. Sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or combina-
tumour M2-PK reported an overall sensitivity of 77.9% for
tions are the other current practices of searching for and
the detection of colorectal cancer and specificity ranging
removing adenomatous polyps to prevent colorectal
from 74.3 to 83.3%. Overall sensitivity for adenomatous
cancer [93], but they are limited by poor patient
polyps was 45.9%, increasing to 61.1% for those > 1 cm
[56]. No randomized trial has been found to be
[94,95]. Therefore newer screening tools for colorectal
comparing faecal M2-PK with FOB test or colonoscopy
cancer are under evaluation and may take their place in
as a screening tool in terms of efficacy, cost effectiveness,
future guidelines. Hardt et al. [49,58] showed that tumour
feasibility and reducing the cancer-related mortality.
M2-PK can be detected in the faeces of GI cancerpatients. Symptomatic patients undergoing colonoscopy
Plasma M2-pyruvate kinase in detection of different
for various reasons had faecal tumour M2-PK measured.
The faecal level of tumour M2-PK was higher in patients
In this review we analysed the data of eight clinical
with histology proven colorectal cancers as compared with
studies related to tumour M2-PK and GI cancer [12,45–
controls (non cancer patients). The sensitivity of faecal
48,50–52]. The diagnostic cut-off values for tumour M2-
tumour M2-PK at a cut-off value of 4 U/ml was 73% with
PK used in these studies ranged from 8.9 to 28 U/ml.
a specificity of 78%. The false-positive rate was 15%. This
Three studies [46,48,50] used the same cut-off value of
low false-positive rate, however, should be viewed with
15 U/ml for tumour M2-PK in EDTA plasma and were
caution when comparing it with the high false-positive
chosen for meta-analysis of histologically proven GI
rate for Haemoccult faecal blood test used in the
Nottingham study and the Danish trial which were basedon a large asymptomatic population [91,92]. Faecal
tumour M2-PK levels were higher with more advanced
Three studies (one prospective and two retrospective)
disease. The sensitivity increased from 57% in case of T1
were found related to histologically proven oesophageal
cancer, 78% in T4 and 90% in patients with distant
cancer [47,48,50]. One study combined data for gastric
metastasis [55]. Two recent studies also showed a high
and oesophageal cancer [48]. The plasma tumour M2-PK
sensitivity (92%) of faecal tumour M2-PK for detecting
concentration in oesophageal cancer ranged from 3.2 to
colorectal cancer [53,54]. Using a cut-off of 3.33 U/ml,
397 U/ml with a mean value of 42 U/ml. The controls
Studies comparing the tumour markers: tumour M2-PK, CEA, CA19-9 and CA72-4 in oesophageal cancers
CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen; PPV, positive predictive value; NPV, negative predictive value; M2-PK, M2-pyruvate kinase.
aThe specificity of CEA, CA72-4 and CA19-9 was not stipulated in these studies.
Copyright Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
Tumour M2-pyruvate kinase Kumar et al. 271
used in these studies were nonmalignant disease
15 U/ml in three of the studies, 19.8 U/ml in one study
patients. The mean control value was 9.3 U/ml. The
[47] and 22 U/ml in another [12] with specificity ranging
diagnostic cut-off value of 15 U/ml (published cut-off)
from 89 to 95%. When data from the three gastric cancer
was used in two of the studies [48,50] with a specificity
studies with the same diagnostic cut-off level for plasma
of 89%, whereas the other study [47] used 19.8 U/ml cut-
tumour M2-PK are analysed, 211 patients with 221
off value with a specificity of 95%. When data from the
controls have been evaluated giving an overall sensitivity
two oesophageal cancer studies with the same diagnostic
of 64%, specificity of 89%, PPV of 85% and NPV of 72%.
cut-off level for plasma tumour M2-PK are analysed, 107
The sensitivity, PPV and NPV of CA72-4 (35–91, 14–95
patients with 201 controls have been evaluated with an
and 34–100%, respectively) are superior to CEA (24–38,
overall sensitivity of 59%, specificity of 89%, PPV of 74%
6–80, and 44–99%, respectively) and CA19-9 (33–49, 3.8–
and NPV of 80%. The overall sensitivity, PPV and NPV of
93, and 52–99%, respectively). The efficacy of tumour
plasma tumour M2-PK was higher as compared with
M2-PK (57–67, 10–94 and 44–99%, respectively) was
those of CEA (14–25%, 45–75% and 49–78%, respec-
comparable. The range of values is the least and the best
tively), CA72-4 (12–53%, 38–92% and 62–64%, respec-
value for sensitivity, PPV, and NPV for these tumour
tively) and CA19-9 (28–43%, 54–86% and 54–80%,
markers in the five studies. Owing to different cut-off
respectively). The range represents the lowest and the
values, the data from the individual studies could not be
highest value for these tumour markers in the three
combined. The specificity of CEA, CA72-4 and CA19-9 in
studies. Because of different cut-off values the data from
these studies was again not stipulated. Low sensitivity
the individual studies could not be combined. The
and PPV was found in one study [12] which used serum
specificity of CEA, CA72-4 and CA19-9 was not clearly
tumour M2-PK rather than EDTA plasma and a high
diagnostic cut-off. The cut-off values of CEA, CA19-9and CA72-4 in this study were historical.
Gastric cancer (Table 2)Five studies (two prospective and three retrospective)
were reviewed with data relevant to histology proven
Seven studies (six prospective and one retrospective)
gastric cancer and tumour M2-PK [12,46–48,50]. One
analysed tumour M2-PK in histologically proven pancrea-
study combined data for gastric and oesophageal cancers
tic cancer [12,45,47,48,50–52]. One study used serum
[48]. Serum tumour M2-PK measurement rather than
tumour M2-PK measurement [12]. The plasma/serum
EDTA-plasma concentration was measured in one study
levels of tumour M2-PK in pancreatic cancer patients
[12]. Tumour M2-PK levels in gastric cancer ranged from
ranged from 0.1 to 195 U/ml with median level of 33 U/ml
2 to 965 U/ml with mean value of 43 U/ml. The controls
which was significantly higher than the median level in
used in these studies were mainly healthy donors. The
controls (9 U/ml). The controls used in some of the
mean control value of tumour M2-PK was 9.3 U/ml. The
studies were healthy blood donors [12,48,51], whereas
diagnostic cut-off value for tumour M2-PK in plasma was
other studies used noncancer individuals as controls
Studies comparing the tumour markers: TuM2-PK, CEA, CA19-9, CA72-4 and CA50 in gastric cancers
CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen; PPV, positive predictive value; NPV, negative predictive value; M2-PK, M2-pyruvate kinase.
aThe specificity of CEA, CA72-4 and CA19-9 was not stipulated in these studies.
Copyright Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
272 European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2007, Vol 19 No 3
Studies comparing the tumour markers: tumour M2-PK, CEA, CA19-9, CA72-4 and CA50 in pancreatic cancers
CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen; PPV, positive predictive value; NPV, negative predictive value; M2-PK, M2-pyruvate kinase.
aThe specificity of CEA, CA72-4 and CA19-9 was not stipulated in these studies.
bBenign pancreatic disease (acute or chronic pancreatitis), cystic neoplasms, neuroendocrine tumours of pancreas, other abdominal malignancies and healthy controls.
[12,45,46,50,52]. The diagnostic cut-off value for tumour
tumour M2-PK in controls was 9.6 U/ml. The diagnostic
M2-PK was between 8.9 and 28 U/ml. The diagnostic cut-
cut-off used in these studies was either 15 or 19.8 U/ml in
off value for tumour M2-PK in plasma was 15 U/ml in two
EDTA plasma. Three studies used 15 U/ml cut-off level
studies [48,50]. When data from the pancreatic cancer
[46,48,50] and included 251 patients with colorectal
studies using the same diagnostic cut-off level of 15 U/ml
cancer and 221 controls with a sensitivity of 57%,
for plasma tumour M2-PK are analysed, 40 patients with
specificity of 89%, PPV of 86% and NPV of 65%. The
201 controls have been evaluated giving a sensitivity of
overall specificity of tumour M2-PK ranged from 89 to
72%, specificity of 89%, PPV of 58% and NPV of 94%. The
95% with sensitivity, PPV and NPV (48–76%, 81–97% and
overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for tumour M2-
35–87%, respectively. Tumour M2-PK was better com-
PK was (66–85%, 41–95%, 32–62% and 61–97%, respec-
pared with CEA (sensitivity 34–71%, PPV 80–95% and
tively. This was comparable with those of CA19-9 (28–85%,
NPV 30–84%) and CA19-9 (sensitivity 27–55%, PPV 50–
73–95%, 40–86% and 54–97%, respectively). The range of
95% and NPV 29–77%). The range of values is the least
values is the lowest and the highest value for sensitivity,
and the best value for sensitivity, PPV and NPV for these
PPV and NPV for these tumour markers in all the seven
tumour markers in the four studies. The specificity of
studies. Owing to different cut-off values the data from the
CEA and CA19-9 was not clarified in all four studies.
individual studies could not be combined. The specificityof CEA and CA19-9 was not clarified in five studies
Combining tumour M2-pyruvate kinase with other
[12,47,48,50,51]. The low specificity of tumour M2-PK
level in one study may be due to use of patients with acute
Combining tumour M2-PK with the conventional tumour
pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, cystic tumours and
markers increases its diagnostic efficacy, as shown in
neuroendocrine tumours of pancreas, various benign
three studies [45,50,52]. In oesophageal cancer combin-
digestive disorders and other abdominal malignancies as
ing tumour M2-PK with CEA increases the sensitivity,
controls [45]. The low cut-off value (8.9 U/ml) used in this
PPV and NPV from 59, 76 and 77%, respectively, to 65, 78
study may also contribute to the low specificity.
and 80%, respectively. In gastric cancer it increased from67, 84 and 74%, respectively, to 82, 87 and 97%,
respectively, when tumour M2-PK was combined with
Four studies (two prospective and two retrospective)
CA72-4. Similarly, in pancreatic cancer an increase in
evaluated tumour M2-PK and colorectal cancer patients
sensitivity, PPV and NPV was seen from 73, 54 and 95%,
[46–48,50]. The level of plasma tumour M2-PK in
respectively, to 96, 61 and 99%, respectively, when
colorectal cancer patients was in the range of 2–986 U/
tumour M2-PK was combined with CA19-9. In colorectal
ml with a mean value of 44 U/ml. The controls used in
cancer combining tumour M2-PK with CEA increases the
these studies were either healthy blood donors or
sensitivity, PPV and NPV from 50, 83 and 60%,
patients with nonmalignant disease. The mean value of
respectively, to 67, 87 and 70%, respectively.
Copyright Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
Tumour M2-pyruvate kinase Kumar et al. 273
Studies comparing the tumour markers: tumour M2-PK, CEA and CA19-9 in colorectal cancer
CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen; PPV, positive predictive value; NPV, negative predictive value; M2-PK, M2-pyruvate kinase.
aThe specificity of CEA, CA72-4 and CA19-9 was not stipulated in these studies.
Combining tumour M2-PK with other GI cancer markers
GI, gastrointestinal; M2-PK, M2-pyruvate kinase; NPV, negative predictive value; PPV, positive predictive value.
Plasma tumour M2-pyruvate kinase levels in post-
lung cancer patients, plasma tumour M2-PK concentra-
tion reflected the course of the disease and correlated
Only one study has been found assessing tumour M2-PK
well with tumour progression or remission following
levels and the response to therapy as far as GI cancers are
concerned. Ventrucci et al. [45] showed a rise in plasmatumour M2-PK levels shortly (within 2 weeks) afterpancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancers. This
immediate postoperative rise was attributed to acceler-
Tumour M2-PK can be quantified in blood with a
ated glycolysis due to healing [35]. Only one study has
specificity of 90–95% at a diagnostic cut-off value of
been found so far monitoring the serum tumour M2-PK
15–17.5 U/ml and in stool with a specificity of 83–95% at
levels after the resection of cancer. In this study, with
a cut-off value of 3.33–4 U/ml. The stability of tumour
only six patients followed after renal cell carcinoma
M2-PK is best in EDTA plasma for 24 h at room
resection, tumour M2-PK normalized 11 weeks after
temperature and is not influenced by any mechanical
surgery and showed rising levels 2 months before
stress. The quantification in blood/stool is by highly
computed tomography detected recurrence [37]. In
sensitive ELISA using two monoclonal antibodies specific
studies with advanced breast and lung cancer patients
to tumour M2-PK. It can be elevated in benign
tumour M2-PK levels in plasma decreased within 4 weeks
conditions including chronic cardiac failure, diabetic
after the start of palliative chemotherapy and rose again
nephropathy, rheumatic diseases, inflammatory bowel
with disease progression [9,39]. In another study with
disease and pancreatitis. The inclusion of these benign
Copyright Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
274 European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2007, Vol 19 No 3
conditions as noncancer controls can result in false-
9 Hoopmann M, Warm M, Mallmann P, Thomas A, Gohring UJ, Schondorf T.
positive rates ranging from 38 to 82%. Studies in gastric,
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colorectal and pancreatic cancer show a good correlation
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between plasma/faecal tumour M2-PK and disease stage
Tumor M2-pyruvate kinase in lung cancer patients: immunohistochemical
[45,46,50,55]. Although no prospective data are available
detection and disease monitoring. Anticancer Res 2002; 22:311–318.
11 Oremek GM, Teigelkamp S, Kramer W, Eigenbrodt E, Usadel KH. The
on plasma tumour M2-PK, faecal tumour M2-PK has
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colorectal cancers. As a screening tool for bowel cancer,
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the overall sensitivity of faecal tumour M2-PK is 73%
with false-positive rate of 15% in symptomatic indivi-
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EXT. HANCOCK TOWER, CHICAGO - LATE NIGHT Lake Shore Drive. Four o'clock in the morning. Minimal traffic, minimal life. As MAIN TITLES BEGIN, we PAN UP the face of. .Hancock Tower. Up, up, forty floors, sixty, eighty, very dark up here, street sounds fading fast, and as CREDITS CONTINUE we can .a dark FIGURE. Like a spider. Inching its way up the steel surface of the 98th floor, and we CLOS