Use of transthyretin as a biomarker for colorectal adenoma and/or carcinoma; method for detection and test system

A method for detecting colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma comprising:

• a) providing an isolated sample which has been taken from an individual,
• b) determining the level of transthyretin or a derivative thereof in said isolated sample, and
• c) comparing the determined level of transthyretin with a reference value.

A method for discriminating between colorectal adenoma and colorectal carcinoma comprising:

• a) providing an isolated sample which has been taken from an individual,
• b) determining the level of transthyretin in said isolated sample, and
• c) comparing the determined level of transthyretin with a reference value.

A method of monitoring the course of colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma and/or the treatment of colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma comprising:

• a) providing an isolated sample which has been taken from an individual,
• b) determining the level of transthyretin in said isolated sample, and
• c) comparing the determined level of transthyretin with a reference value.

A method for detecting colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma, comprising:

• a) providing a sample which has been taken from an individual;
• and
• b) determining the level of transthyretin or a derivative thereof in said sample.

A test system for detecting colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma in an individual comprising:

• a) an antibody or a receptor which binds to an epitope of transthyretin,
• b) a solid support which supports said antibody or receptor, and
• c) a reagent for detecting the binding of said epitope of transthyretin to said antibody or receptor.