Golgi Phosphoprotein 3 Represents a Novel Tumor Marker for Gastric and Colorectal Cancers

Early diagnosis is very important for the clinical treatment of gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to detect Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) and evaluate its diagnostic value.

Serum concentrations of GOLPH3 were detected by ELISA in 136 CRC patients, 102 GC patients, and 50 healthy controls at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from June 2016 to December 2019. Serum concentrations of CEA and CA19-9 were detected by ECLIA.

Serum concentrations of GOLPH3, CEA, and CA19-9 were higher in GC and CRC patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.001). Serum GOLPH3 concentrations were increased in GC and CRC patients with tumors greater than 5 cm, poor differentiation, greater depth of tumor invasion, and increased lymphatic and distant metastases (P < 0.05). In the GC and CRC groups, the AUCs of GOLPH3 were higher than those of CEA and CA19-9 (P < 0.05), while the AUCs of the marker combination were higher than those of GOLPH3 (P < 0.05), and postoperative serum GOLPH3 levels were lower than preoperative levels (P < 0.001). Serum GOLPH3 concentrations in CRC patients correlated positively with CEA and CA19-9 concentrations (P < 0.05).

Serum GOLPH3 concentrations in GC and CRC patients are related to TNM stage. GOLPH3 may represent a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of GC and CRC. The combination of serum GOLPH3, CEA, and CA19-9 concentrations can improve diagnostic efficiency for GC and CRC. GOLPH3 is expected to become an indicator for the early diagnosis and evaluation of surgical effects.