The Value of Tumour Markers in Lung Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): S.A. Gomm, B.G. Keevil, N. Thatcher, P.S. Hasleton, R.S. Swindell
Primary Institution: Wythenshawe Hospital and Christie Hospital
Hypothesis
Can pre-treatment serum levels of neuron-specific enolase, phosphohexose isomerase, and circulating immune complexes serve as effective tumour markers in lung cancer?
Conclusion
The study found that pre-treatment serum levels of NSE, PHI, and CC did not predict therapy response or prognosis in lung cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 55% of patients had elevated NSE levels.
- 90% of patients had elevated PHI levels.
- 49% of patients had elevated CC levels.
- NSE was significantly elevated in 61% of SCLC patients.
- CC levels were significantly raised in 72% of NSCLC patients.
Takeaway
Doctors looked at certain blood markers to see if they could help tell what kind of lung cancer someone has or how bad it is, but they didn't really work.
Methodology
The study compared serum levels of NSE, PHI, and CC in lung cancer patients to standard haematology and biochemical indices.
Limitations
The study did not find significant predictive value for the tumour markers in terms of therapy response or prognosis.
Participant Demographics
55 males and 18 females, median age 59 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
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