miR-375 Combined with SHOX2 Methylation has Higher Diagnostic Efficacy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a high-risk type of lung cancer. This study aims to improve the diagnostic efficacy of NSCLC through the combined detection of miR-375 and short-stature homeobox 2 (SHOX2) methylation. Patients with NSCLC (n = 121) and benign lung disease (BLD) (n = 121) were included. miR-375 and SHOX2 methylation levels were detected. The correlations between miR-375, SHOX2 methylation, and clinical characteristics of NSCLC were analyzed. The diagnostic efficacy of miR-375, SHOX2 methylation, and their combined detection was analyzed. The risk factors of NSCLC were analyzed. The results showed that levels of miR-375 and SHOX2 methylation in NSCLC patients were higher than those in BLD. High expression of miR-375 and positive SHOX2 methylation indicated worse pathological features of NSCLC patients. miR-375 combined with SHOX2 methylation had higher diagnostic efficacy than the single diagnosis. miR-375, SHOX2 methylation, smoking history, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and CYFRA21-1 levels were risk factors for NSCLC; the risk of NSCLC increased 25.763 times for each unit increase in plasma miR-375 level (OR = 25.763, CI: 1.726-384.529), and the risk of NSCLC increased 4.096 times for each unit increase in SHOX2 methylation (OR = 4.096, CI: 1.195-14.036). miR-375 targeted SHOX2. Overall, miR-375 and SHOX2 methylation and their combined detection were expected to be biomarkers for the diagnosis of NSCLC.