Long non-coding RNA FAM230B is a novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FAM230B has been reported to participate in gastric cancer and papillary thyroid cancer, while its role in other cancers has not been reported. We then explored the role of FAM230B in lung adenocarcinoma (LA). This study enrolled a total of 60 LA patients, 60 patients with gastric reflux disease (GRD), 60 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 60 cases of asthma and 60 cases of healthy controls. LA and paired non-tumor tissues were donated by all LA patients. Plasma samples were donated by all participants. Expression of FAM230B in these samples was determined by RT-qPCR. The 60 LA patients were followed up for 5 years to evaluate the prognostic value of plasma FAM230B for LA. Diagnostic value of FAM230B for LA was analyzed with ROC curve analysis. FAM230B was highly expressed in LA tissues compared to that in non-tumor samples. In addition, plasma FAM230B was specifically upregulated in LA patients, but not in GRD, COPD and asthma patients. High expression levels of FAM230B in plasma samples were closely correlated with poor survival. Plasma FAM230B effectively separated LA patients from GRD, COPD, asthma and control groups. Plasma FAM230B was closely correlated with tumor size, but not other clinical factors of LA patients. Therefore, FAM230B is highly upregulated in LA and may serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for LA.