Human neutrophil peptides 1, 2 and 3 are biochemical markers for metastatic colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have increased levels of human neutrophil peptides 1-3 (HNP1-3) in tumour tissue and plasma. The aim is to study whether the amount of HNP1-3 in tumour and plasma from CRC patients correlate with Dukes' stages A-D. The amount of HNP1-3 in tumour tissue, normal colonic mucosa, and plasma was determined with mass spectrometry. Plasma levels of HNP1-3 were determined with enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). The amount of HNP1-3 determined with mass spectrometry was increased in tumours compared to normal colonic tissue in CRC patients in Dukes' stage A-D, whereas HNP1-3 in plasma was only elevated in Dukes' stage D compared to healthy individuals. HNP1-3 plasma concentration determined with ELISA was increased in Dukes' stages C and D, but not in A and B. It is concluded that HNP1-3 is a potential marker for prognostic assessment, surveillance of patients, and monitoring chemotherapy in CRC patients with advanced disease.