Objective: To determine the concentration difference in protoporphyrin in cancerous intestine and to discuss its application in laser-induced autofluorescence diagnosis for colorectal cancer at early stage.
Methods: We detected the concentration of protoporphyrin IX in 30 patients with colorectal cancer and 30 control patients, as well as that in 60 cases of intestinal tissues (30 control tissues and 30 cancer tissues).
Results: The concentration of blood protoporphyrin IX in patients with colorectal cancer was significantly higher than that in the controls (P<0.05). Protoporphyrin IX concentration in the cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in the control tissues (P<0.05).
Conclusion: That the concentration of protoporphyrin in cancerous intestine becomes abnormally high may be the material basis for spectrum intensity peak of (644.3+/-5.7) nm in laser-induced autofluorescence diagnosis for colorectal cancer at early stage.