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[Serum testosterone: a possible marker for colorectal cancer]
M Holland1, R Rotenberg, N Gomez
1Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Medicina
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Serum testosterone levels are significantly lower in men with colorectal cancer. Combining testosterone and carcinoembryonic antigen measurements improves tumor screening sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Context:
- Reduced circulating testosterone is observed in various cancers, including lung, stomach, and pancreatic.
- Colorectal cancer diagnosis and monitoring often rely on biomarkers like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
Purpose:
- To investigate serum testosterone concentrations in male patients with histologically confirmed colorectal cancer.
- To compare testosterone and estradiol levels in pre-surgical and post-surgical colorectal cancer patients against a control group with benign gastrointestinal conditions.
Summary:
- Serum testosterone levels were significantly lower in colorectal cancer patients (groups I and II) compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
- No significant differences in estradiol concentrations were found between benign and cancer groups.
- Decreased testosterone was observed in 69% of colorectal cancer patients, with 56.9% showing elevated CEA.
Impact:
- Combined measurement of testosterone and CEA increased tumor screening sensitivity to 86.2%.
- Circulating testosterone shows potential as a novel, sensitive biomarker for colorectal carcinoma diagnosis and follow-up, particularly when CEA levels are normal.