[Biological markers of precancer of the large intestine]

Abstract

Current views on focal defect in colorectal mucosa as a risk factor for development of tumours are presented. It is characterized by such phenotypical changes of the mucosa as cell proliferation activation, changes in ornithine decarboxylase activity and polyamine synthesis, changes in the expression of the blood group antigens and associated carbohydrate antigens as well as the development of small adenomas. All these changes may be biological markers of colonic precancer.