Prognostic significance of serum osteopontin levels in small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background Osteopontin (OPN) is closely related to tumor occurrence and metastasis. This study explored the clinical value of serum OPN levels in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. Methods The ELISA method was used to determine the OPN level of 96 SCLC patients before and after first-line chemotherapy, and compared with 60 healthy controls. Results The serum OPN level of SCLC patients before treatment was significantly higher than that of the healthy control (P < 0.001). Serum OPN levels were related to disease stage, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.012, 0.034, and 0.037, respectively). Serum OPN level decreased after first-line chemotherapy (P = 0.019), which was related to treatment response (P = 0.011). The serum OPN level was an independent predictor of overall survival. Conclusions The serum OPN level can be used as a biomarker to predict treatment response and survival of SCLC patients.