Human neutrophil peptides 1, 2 and 3 are biochemical markers for metastatic colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have increased levels of human neutrophil peptides 1–3 (HNP1–3) in tumour tissue and plasma. The aim is to study whether the amount of HNP1–3 in tumour and plasma from CRC patients correlate with Dukes’ stages A–D. The amount of HNP1–3 in tumour tissue, normal colonic mucosa, and plasma was determined with mass spectrometry. Plasma levels of HNP1–3 were determined with enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). The amount of HNP1–3 determined with mass spectrometry was increased in tumours compared to normal colonic tissue in CRC patients in Dukes’ stage A–D, whereas HNP1–3 in plasma was only elevated in Dukes’ stage D compared to healthy individuals. HNP1–3 plasma concentration determined with ELISA was increased in Dukes’ stages C and D, but not in A and B. It is concluded that HNP1–3 is a potential marker for prognostic assessment, surveillance of patients, and monitoring chemotherapy in CRC patients with advanced disease.