Zeitschrift für molekulare Biomarker und Diagnose

Biomarkers for the Detection of Pre-Cancerous Stage of Cervical Dysplasia

Abstract

Elia Paz, Raizelman Stella, Katorza Esti, Matana Yosef, Zeiri Offer,Boger Zvi, Cervelli Manuela, Mariotini Paolo, Vallone Cristina, Signore Fabrizio and Zeiri Yehuda

Introduction: Early diagnosis of cancer can dramatically increase healing probability. However many cancer detection methods are time-consuming, invasive, and require skilled medical staff and/or expensive detection systems. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignant disease among women, and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide.

Aim: This pilot study sought to identify reliable biomarkers indicative of early stages of cervical dysplasia, by analysis of changes in volatile organic compound composition in urine samples.

Methods: Urine samples of 17 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN I) and of 9 healthy female subjects were used. The sample composition was analyzed using Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using supervised artificial neural networks.

Results: We identified four molecules with potential to serve as biomarkers of cervical dysplasia together with two molecules whose absence in the urine can confirm existence of cervical dysplasia. All indications shows that these six potential biomarkers are produced in the body during various physiological processes enhances in sick women. Hence, these potential biomarkers are not related to environmental or dietary origins.

Conclusion: Validation of the statistical method used, indicated that the biomarkers identified are highly reliable for detection of cervical dysplasia.