Quantitative Proteomics Indicate Radical Removal of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Predict Outcome

Abstract

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with low survival rates, often due to late diagnosis and lack of personalized medicine. Diagnosing and monitoring NSCLC using blood samples has lately gained interest due to its less invasive nature. In the present study, plasma was collected at three timepoints and analyzed using proximity extension assay technology and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in patients with primary NSCLC stages IA–IIIA undergoing surgery. Results were adjusted for patient demographics, tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, and multiple testing. Major histocompatibility (MHC) class 1 polypeptide-related sequence A/B (MIC-A/B) and tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 6 (FASLG) were significantly increased post-surgery, suggesting radical removal of cancerous cells. Levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) initially increased postoperatively but were later lowered, potentially indicating radical removal of malignant cells. The levels of FASLG in patients who later died or had a relapse of NSCLC were lower at all three timepoints compared to surviving patients without relapse, indicating that FASLG may be used as a prognostic biomarker. The biomarkers were confirmed using microarray data. In conclusion, quantitative proteomics could be used for NSCLC identification but may also provide information on radical surgical removal of NSCLC and post-surgical prognosis.

Surgical Treatment of Lung Cancer in Situs Inversus Totalis—A Case Report

“…Furthermore, contemporary emphasis has been directed towards quantitative proteomics and its use in biomarker identification. MIC-A/B, FASLG, and HGF have gained prominence as indicators for the radical resection of NSCLC [42]. The combination of advanced surgical techniques with the development of biochemistry may be the future of lung cancer surgery.…”

A Systematic Review of Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition Factor (MET) and Its Impact in the Development and Treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

“…Targeted therapies for several types of cancer, including NSCLC, have emerged as a beneficial option for subsets of patients. Current treatment guidelines for advanced NSCLC call for broad molecular profiling to identify and guide the choice of potential targeted therapy options [10]. The proportion of patients with NSCLC receiving next generation sequencing (NGS) is low, which is in part due to insufficient availability of tumor tissue at the time of diagnosis.…”