Tumor M2 pyruvate kinase (M2PK) (plasma)

General Information

Pyruvate kinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the final step of the glycolytic pathway (glycolysis – the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate and free energy).

Different pyruvate kinase isoenzymes are present in different tissues, depending on the metabolic status of the tissues.

M2 is an isoenzyme of pyruvate kinase that is present in proliferating (renewing) tissues (normal and/or cancerous) in two forms:

→ In the form of a tetramer (the active form that converts glucose into pyruvate and lactate)

→ In the form of a dimer (an inactive form, mainly present in tumor cells). This form Tumor M2 Pyruvate kinase It is called and is a tumor marker.

M2 Pyruvate kinaseDimerization in tumor cells is a result of its interaction with various oncoproteins.

M2 pyruvate kinase is not an organ-specific tumor marker. Its elevation indicates a specific metabolic status of tumor cells.

In patients with adenomas and tumors of the lower digestive tract, tumor M2 pyruvate kinase was excreted in blood plasma and feces.

• Stool M2 pyruvate kinase determination is used for screening for colorectal tumors
• Determination of plasma M2 pyruvate kinase, along with standard tumor markers, is used to diagnose and monitor various tumors of the digestive system.

Tumor M2 pyruvate kinase assay is an innovative test that measures the metabolic activity of tumor tissue, which is equivalent to the aggressiveness of the tumor. Accordingly, the study represents an opportunity to monitor the treatment process of tumors and assess possible relapses.

Increased tumor M2 pyruvate kinase activity is observed in tumors of the gastrointestinal system, breast, lung, kidney, and prostate.

Research material – Venous blood

Reference boundaries

<15 units/mL