A novel screening biomarker in gastric cancer: serum Dickkopf-1

Abstract

Background/aims: Despite all the knowledge about gastric cancer, there is no prognostic biomarker which could be useful for early detection. Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), a secreted protein, is known as a negative regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway. DKK-1 is reported to be over expressed in many malignant tissues. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the normal level of serum DKK-1 (sDKK-1) levels in healthy Turkish peoples and to investigate the clinical utility of sDKK-1 levels for gastric cancer screening.

Methodology: Serum DKK-1 levels were measured in 69 healthy controls and in 60 gastric adenocarcinoma patients with ELISA and sDKK-1 levels were compared with clinicopathological features and outcomes in gastric cancer patients.

Results: Serum concentrations of DKK-1 in gastric adeno cancer patients were significantly higher than control patients (p<0.001). The optimal cut-off for sDKK-1 levels order to discriminate control group from gastric cancer patients was 25U/mL with sensitivity equal to 100% and specificity equal to 100%.

Conclusions: Serum DKK-1 levels may be a potentially useful novel serologic marker for gastric cancers.