HPG80 Test as a Cancer Screening Tool
The HPG80 test is not currently recommended as a useful screening tool for cancer detection in the general population. While it shows promise as a biomarker in research settings, there are no established clinical guidelines supporting its use for cancer screening.
What is HPG80?
HPG80 (human circulating progastrin) is a tumor-promoting peptide that:
- Is produced and released by cancer cells 1
- Can be detected in blood samples using an ELISA-based test (DxPG80) 1
- Has been found at higher concentrations in patients with various cancers compared to healthy individuals 2
Current Evidence on HPG80
Recent research shows:
- HPG80 has been detected in patients with multiple cancer types including colorectal, pancreatic, liver, lung, stomach, and kidney cancers 2
- The test demonstrates good analytical performance with high specificity for hPG80 1
- In patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, hPG80 levels showed potential prognostic value for overall survival 3
- Some studies suggest a correlation between hPG80 concentration changes and anti-cancer treatment efficacy 4
Why HPG80 Is Not Currently Recommended for Screening
Despite promising research, several critical factors prevent recommending HPG80 for cancer screening:
Lack of guideline endorsement: None of the major cancer screening guidelines from organizations like the American Cancer Society, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, or U.S. Preventive Services Task Force include HPG80 testing as a recommended screening method 5
Insufficient validation: Current evidence consists primarily of preliminary studies rather than large-scale randomized controlled trials demonstrating mortality reduction
No established screening protocols: Unlike established screening tests (mammography, colonoscopy, etc.), there are no protocols for:
- Who should be screened
- At what age screening should begin
- Appropriate screening intervals
- Management of positive results
Potential for false positives: As with any screening test, there's potential for false positives leading to unnecessary anxiety and additional testing 5
Established Cancer Screening Methods
Current guidelines recommend evidence-based screening methods that have demonstrated mortality reduction:
- Breast cancer: Mammography (film or digital) for women aged 50-74 years 5
- Cervical cancer: Pap testing and/or HPV DNA testing 5
- Colorectal cancer: Colonoscopy, fecal occult blood testing, or other approved methods 5
Future Potential
HPG80 may have future applications in:
- Monitoring treatment response in patients with diagnosed cancers 4, 2
- Serving as a prognostic biomarker in specific cancer types 3
- Potentially becoming a therapeutic target 2
Conclusion
While HPG80 shows promise as a biomarker in cancer research, it should not be used as a cancer screening tool at this time. Patients should continue to follow established, evidence-based cancer screening guidelines appropriate for their age, sex, and risk factors. Further research through large-scale clinical trials is needed to determine if HPG80 testing could eventually become a valuable addition to cancer screening protocols.