Diagnosis of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma by Serum Proteomic Pattern

Background Currently, endoscopic biopsy is the only method used to diagnose esophageal adenocarcinoma. Using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) ProteinChip technology, we sought to identify a potentially diagnostic serum protein pattern that can serve as a reliable blood test for the diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma. In addition, we sought to identify potential biomarkers for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods Whole serum was collected using standard techniques from subjects with a known diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma as well as from subjects without any known esophageal disease. The samples were spotted onto a hydrophobic (H50) and immobilized metal affinity (IMAC30) chip surface and allowed to incubate. All samples were run in duplicate. After several washes, matrix was added and a mass range of 1500 to 30000 daltons was analyzed by SELDI–Time-of-Flight mass spectroscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using Biomarker Pattern Software (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA). Results For the H50 analysis, 3 peaks were identified that correctly diagnosed 42 of 43 cancers and 10 of 11 normals. For the IMAC30, 4 peaks were identified that correctly diagnosed 50 of 50 cancers and 10 of 10 normals. Conclusions Serum proteomic pattern shows great promise in the diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma. This technology may lead to the development of a noninvasive screening test as well as to the identification of potential novel biomarkers for esophageal adenocarcinoma.