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 study for its potential utility in the detection of colorectal cancer. The concentrations of NuMA and CEA (Abbott IMx) were measured in sera from 86 patients (presurgical) with colorectal cancer, 72 subjects with benign gastrointestinal diseases, 80 subjects with risk factors for colorectal cancer, and 141 age-matched healthy subjects. Reference values for NuMA and CEA were calculated by two methods: 95% cumulative distribution and ROC analyses versus healthy subjects. By the first method, NuMA and CEA both had approximately 20% sensitivity for colorectal cancer. By the second method (which generated lower reference values), NuMA was more sensitive than CEA for colorectal cancer. This improved sensitivity was most evident in Dukes B subjects. By either analysis method, NuMA was more sensitive than CEA for subjects at risk for developing colorectal cancer, whereas CEA was more specific for benign gastrointestinal diseases.