Abstract
Background Circulating cancer cells (CTCs) provide opportunities for early diagnosis and evaluation of cancer stage as a more acceptable non-invasive liquid biopsy. The advanced development and use of CTCs for diagnosis or prognosis just started in recent years. Methods Fifty three patients, diagnosed as SPNs with a diameter less than 30 mm by CT examination, was enrolled for statistical analysis based on their CTCs level, CT examination features, serum tumor marker concentrations, and histopathological characteristics. Centromere probe 8 (CEP8) was utilized as a marker for CTCs determination. Results The CTCs level was significantly different between malignant and benign SPNs, as well as between early (0/Ia) and advanced (Ib/II/III) stages of lung cancer. For the malignancy judgment and the pTNM stage diagnosis of SPNs, ROC analysis results showed that combined use of CTCs level or density feature of CT morphology significant improved diagnostic effect compared to use of these two markers solely. Moreover, in bigger, single, and solid SPNs based on CT morphology, the CTCs level significantly correlated with the malignant histopathology. Additionally, triple staining (CEP8, EpCAM and CKs) results using samples from 22 out of 53 patients showed that more CTCs was detected when CEP8 was used as a marker. Conclusion The CTCs determined by CEP8 positive would be a potential adjuvant diagnostic marker for the malignance and stage of lung cancer for patients with SPNs.
Elevated pleural effusion IL-17 is a diagnostic marker and outcome predictor in lung cancer patients
