In tumor cells the dimeric form of M2-PK is predominant and has therefore been termed Tumor M2-PK.
Tumor M2-PK is released into the blood and stool of tumor patients.
Sandwich ELISAs with monoclonal antibodies against Tumor M2-PK, for the quantification of Tumor M2-PK in EDTA-plasma and stool samples respectively, are available from ScheBo Biotech AG in Giessen, Germany.
The determination of Tumor M2-PK in EDTA-plasma and stool samples from tumor patients is a good tool for tumor diagnosis and follow-up studies.
Tumor M2-PK is a strong marker of metastasis, but not an organ specific marker. Levels of Tumor M2-PK are increased in tumors of many different organs – for example: