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Updated: May 4, 2026
Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Risk and Prevalence by Stool DNA Integrity Detection
Published on: June 8, 2020
Free circulating DNA as a biomarker of colorectal cancer
Elisa Cassinotti1, Luigi Boni1, Sergio Segato2
1Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences Insubria, University of Insubria, Varese, 1st Division of Surgery Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of free circulating DNA (FCDNA) as a biomarker in patients suffering from colorectal cancer (CRC), investigating both its prognostic value correlated with stage of disease and its potential role in early recurrence diagnosis.
Methods:
The quantification of plasma DNA was achieved through the use of real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the RNAse P gene. The study enrolled patients undergoing surgery for primary CRC, at different stages of disease; samples were collected before surgery and during follow-up examinations every 3 months after surgery. Data were statistically analyzed using Software Packages SPSS® for Windows.
Results:
FCDNA was detectable in all pre-operative samples and the mean value was 47.8 ng/mL. FCDNA values increased progressively related to UICC stage of disease, although statistical significance was demonstrated only when comparing patients by pT stage. The analysis of postoperative samples showed a significant decrease of FCDNA quantity after radical surgery and in specific cases a rise preceding disease recurrence.
Conclusions:
This study shows that absolute quantification of FCDNA in CRC patients could have a prognostic value, being related to stage of disease, and could be used as potential tool for early detection of recurrences.
