The role of faecal calprotectin in diagnosis and staging of colorectal neoplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The presence of inflammation is a key hallmark of cancer and, plays an important role in disease progression and survival in colorectal cancer (CRC). Calprotectin detected in the faeces is a sensitive measure of colonic inflammation. The role of FC as a diagnostic test that may categorise patients by risk of neoplasia is poorly defined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to characterise the relationship between elevations of FC and colorectal neoplasia. Methods A systematic review was performed using the keywords (MESH terms) and a statistical and meta-analysis was performed. Results A total of 35 studies are included in this review. CRC patients are more likely than controls to have an elevated FC OR 5.19, 95% CI 3.12–8.62, p < 0.001 with a heterogeneity (I2 = 27%). No tumour characteristics significantly correlated with FC, only stage of CRC shows signs that it may potentially correlate with FC. Conclusion FC levels are significantly higher in CRC, with high sensitivity. Its low specificity prevents it from being used to diagnose or screen for CRC.

Keywords

• Colorectal cancer
• Neoplasia
• Faecal calprotectin