Abstract 296P
Background
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prevalent and lethal malignancy. Early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression are crucial for enhancing patient outcomes. Current approaches, including imaging and tumor marker analysis (CYFRA 21-1, CEA and CA-125), often exhibit sensitivity and specificity limitations. Progastrin, an 80-amino acid intracellular precursor of the gastrin hormone encoded by GAST gene, primarily regulates acid secretion. Pathological GAST overexpression leads to protein accumulation and release of Circulating Progastrin (hPG80), detectable in the blood of cancer patients. The goal of this study is to investigate the role of this novel marker in NSCLC.
Methods
EDTA-anticoagulated venous blood samples were obtained from participants at diagnosis. Plasma was isolated and stored at −80°C. The hPG80 concentration ([hPG80]) was determined using the ELISA DxPG80 lab kit (Biodena care). Patients were categorized into curative and palliative treatment groups according to disease severity criteria.
Results
This study included 105 NSCLC patients (56 females, 49 males) with a mean age of 66.7 ± 7.8 years in stage I-II (8.6%), III (31.4%) and IV (60%). Curative treatment was indicated in 36.2% of patients. An increase in [hPG80] was observed in relation to age (p=3.6 × 10−5), intake of proton pump inhibitors (p=3 × 10−5) and presence of TP53 gene mutations (p=0.03). Median [hPG80] was 8.3 (IQR=7.1) and 10.4 (IQR=14.7) pM in the curative and palliative therapy groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference observed. A higher proportion of patients in the curative therapy group exhibited elevated [hPG80] (89.5%) compared to 36.8% (p=1 × 10−5), 15.8% (p=9 × 10−10) and 31.6% (p=1.3 × 10−6) who tested positive for CYFRA 21-1, CEA and CA-125, respectively. In the palliative group, elevated levels of hPG80, CYFRA 21-1, CEA and CA-125 were observed in 83.6%, 78.8%, 40.9% and 57.6% of cases, respectively.
Conclusions
The present study highlights the enhanced diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of the hPG80 in NSCLC, particularly in early or locally advanced disease where conventional blood-based tumor markers exhibit limited sensitivity.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.