EpCAM is a new potential serum biomarker for early gastric cancer

Aim: Overexpression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has been shown in a wide spectrum of epithelial cancers. In this study we aimed to examine the utility of serum EpCAM levels as a new marker for early diagnosis of gastric cancer, and to determine its association with different stages of gastric cancer. Material and Methods: A total of 88 patients who underwent resection due to gastric cancer and 44 healthy subjects as the control group were included in the study. The diagnosis of gastric cancer was confirmed by a combination of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, and histopathology. EpCAM levels were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method following the instructions of the manufacturer. Results: The mean preoperative EpCAM level was found as 235.7 +/- 34.2 pg/mL in the patient group and 42.5 +/- 2.38 pg/mL in the control group. The mean preoperative serum EpCAM level was found to be significantly higher in gastric cancer patients compared to the control group (p<0.001). In addition, mean EpCAM levels were higher in patients with class T4 and T2 compared to T1. Mean EpCAM levels were also significantly higher in N1 and N2 classes compared to N0, and in M1 compared to M0 (all, p<0.001). Discussion: The results of this study indicate that the elevated expression of the EpCAM levels can predispose to the development of gastric cancer. Thus, the analysis of this marker could be a useful biomarker for screening patients with gastric cancer.