Comparative Analysis of CEA and SCC Serum Markers with IAP in Human Lung Cancer

Biomarkers and diagnostic tools for lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in developing to advanced countries worldwide. The incidence rate of lung cancer in Korea has been increasing steadily since 1997. Statistics show that in 2017 alone, the incidence and mortality rates for lung cancer were 52.7 and 34.8 per 100,000 people, respectively, accounting for the highest cause of cancer death in Korea. The process of accurately diagnosing lung cancer consists of several steps, starting with the discovery of pulmonary nodule(s) via a cancer screening test or various other methods followed by the collection of cells or tissues and the identification of target molecules. Thereafter, staging and the development of a therapeutic plan lead to improved clinical outcomes. After the completion of a pilot study, a nationwide lung cancer screening program was introduced in Korea; since 2019, this program has targeted population at high risk for lung cancer: men and women aged 54 to 74 years who had a smoking history of 30 pack-years or more. The frequency of detection of pulmonary nodules is increasing in proportion to the public interest in health and economic growth. In this review, we present diagnostic techniques and biomarkers that are widely used in the medical field in the hope that such information would benefit clinical practice.

Immunosuppressive acidic protein serum levels in breast cancer patients in a reference to CA 15-3 levels

Immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) has been described as a tumor marker in a number of malignant diseases. To evaluate the clinical importance of IAP in breast cancer patients, IAP serum level was determined in 75 breast cancer patients, using single radial immunodiffusion. Serum samples were also tested for CA 15-3. Cut off value for IAP was determined according to IAP serum level in 50 patients with benign, non inflammatory, diseases, and was set as 725 microgram/ml. Mean IAP serum level (623 mcg/ml) and positivity rate (20%) in 24 breast cancer patients with active disease were similar to those in 51 breast cancer patients with no evidence of disease (590 mcg/ml and 18%). The mean CA 15-3 serum level and positivity rate were significantly higher in patients with active disease (200 units/ml, 67%), compared to patients with no evidence of disease (18.3 units/ml, 6%). In our experience IAP was not found to be an effective tumor marker in breast cancer.

Survey of immunosuppressive acidic protein and other immunological parameters in head and neck cancer patients

Serum levels of immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) and other immunological parameters were examined in 95 head and neck cancer patients and 27 control patients. The mean values of IAP in patients in the advanced stage were significantly higher than in early stage patients. Statistically significant increases in the mean concentration of IAP were also observed in patients with a recurrence, as compared to findings in those in the advanced stages. The mean values of blastogenesis response to PHA and NK cell activity in the cancer patients were lower than in disease free individuals, but with no statistical differences. In the endstage patients, the IAP concentration was considerably elevated and the blastogenesis response showed a statistically significant decrease. Thus, the monitoring of serum IAP, in combination with other immunological parameters, aids in planning and assessing clinical staging in head and neck cancer patients.