Comparative appreciation of some tumour markers in colon cancer patients: A clinical study in Nineveh Governorate

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of selected tumour markers, Septin-9, HIF-1α, and cf-DNA, in different stages of colon cancer, with an emphasis on potential differences between male and female patients. Methods: A total of 125 individuals participated in this study. Among them, 41 patients had confirmed colon cancer and were classified into stages II, III, and IV based on pathological findings. Additionally, 45 individuals with benign colon conditions (control+) and 39 healthy individuals served as comparison groups. Blood samples were analysed using ELISA to quantify tumour marker levels. Haematological parameters, including a complete blood count and immune-related ratios such as the lymphocyte-to-monocyte (L/M) and platelet-to-lymphocyte (P/L) ratios, were also assessed. Results: Significant sex-based differences were observed in both haematological and tumour marker profiles. Male patients exhibited lower CBC values and altered immune ratios, suggesting potential immune suppression. In females, higher levels of tumour markers were evident even at early stages of cancer. Septin-9, HIF-1α, and cf-DNA exhibited stage-specific expression patterns, with more pronounced progression trends observed in male patients. Conclusion: Septin-9, HIF-1α, and cf-DNA may serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing colon cancer progression and understanding sex-based biological variations. These findings indicate a potential role for these markers in differentiating between cancer stages and between sexes. However, this is preliminary and hypothesis-generating, given the small sample size. Their integration into early diagnostic and monitoring protocols could enhance personalised treatment strategies, though further validation in larger cohorts is recommended.