Aberrant tumor-associated antigen autoantibody profiles in healthy controls detected by multiplex bead-based immunoassay

There is an increasing amount of emphasis being placed on serological biomarkers as tools for early detection of various cancers. In addition to the tumor-related circulating antigens under current investigation, autoantibodies to tumor-associated antigens are emerging as alternative candidates due to their potential high sensitivity and specificity. Already a number of specific autoantibodies have been identified and several groups have reported on the ability of panels of autoantibodies to discriminate malignant from non-malignant conditions. In this investigation we evaluate tumor-associated antigen autoantibody profiles in a group of healthy individuals. We identify a subset of individuals that demonstrate high levels of autoantibody production across the spectrum of tumor-associated antigens tested. We conclude that this observation is a result of undefined non-malignant autoimmune stimulation. Our findings may be an indication of factors present in the general population that may confound multiplex autoantibody-based diagnostic tests by reducing assay specificity. Such factors will require further characterization and the development of adequate controls in order to improve the performance of diagnostic tests.