Serum biomarkers for lung cancer screening

Abstract

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. Screening patients at high risk of developing lung cancer is a worldwide priority, since it can be cured if diagnosed in early stages. Currently, screening in high risk individuals is made using low dose computed tomography, however, this method may lead to false-positive tests and overdiagnosis. The usefulness of serum biomarkers would be relevant in two situations: 1) the screening of large groups at high risk of developing lung cancer, where the biomarker should be very sensitive and 2) during the investigation of pulmonary nodules, where the biomarker should be very specific. Several serum biomarkers have been tested to work as biomarkers for lung cancer screening. Unfortunately, so far, none of them has come into current clinical practice. In this review, we analyze some of the serum biomarkers described in the last 10 years, evaluating their potential as tools to detect lung cancer, particularly in smokers. The use of serum biomarkers and imaging methods together seems to be a solution to early diagnosis of lung cancer, more efficient treatment and enhanced chance of cure.