Plasma exosomes contain protein biomarkers valuable for the diagnosis of lung cancer

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Exosomal proteins are increasingly recognized as crucial biomarkers for malignant tumor diagnosis.
• Identifying specific exosomal biomarkers is essential for improving early lung cancer detection rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and validate novel exosomal protein biomarkers for the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC).
• To evaluate the diagnostic performance of identified protein panels, including for early-stage lung cancer.

Main Methods:

• Plasma exosomes were isolated from 517 lung cancer patients and 168 healthy controls.
• Proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM).
• Machine learning methods were employed to screen and evaluate candidate humoral markers.

Main Results:

• A 7-protein panel achieved high area under the curve (AUC) values for LUAD diagnosis (97.9% training, 89.5% early LUAD).
• An 8-protein panel demonstrated strong performance for LUSC diagnosis (99.1% training, 92.3% early LUSC).
• An 8-protein panel showed promising results for combined lung cancer (LUAD + LUSC) diagnosis (85.9% training, 87.1% early LC).

Conclusions:

• The identified exosomal protein panels possess significant diagnostic potential for lung cancer.
• Exosomal proteome characteristics support their utility as effective diagnostic tools for lung cancer, including early detection.