Serum tumor markers and outcomes in lung cancer patients with brain metastases: a retrospective longitudinal cohort study

Yingtong Liu ¹, Shuang Dai ^2,3, Zheran Liu ¹

⁰Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Translational Lung Cancer Research +

|

October 21, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Baseline serum tumor markers (STMs), including CYFRA21-1, CEA, and NSE, are vital prognostic factors for lung cancer with brain metastases (BM). Dynamic STM changes during treatment do not independently predict survival outcomes.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Biomarkers
Clinical Research

Background

Serum tumor markers (STMs) are utilized for cancer diagnosis and surveillance.
The prognostic value of STMs in lung cancer with brain metastases (BM) remains unclear.
This study investigates the role of baseline STMs and their dynamic changes in predicting survival for BM patients.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the prognostic significance of baseline serum tumor markers (STMs) in patients with lung cancer and brain metastases (BM).
To assess whether dynamic changes in STMs during disease progression impact patient survival.
To identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival in lung cancer with BM.

Main Methods

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 1,169 lung cancer patients with BM.
Analysis of serum tumor marker (STM) data collected during the disease course.
Latent class growth mixed modeling (LCGMM) to identify STM trajectory groups.
Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models to assess survival correlations.

Main Results

Baseline CYFRA21-1, CEA, and NSE levels were significant independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) in BM patients.
For NSCLC with BM, baseline CYFRA21-1, CEA, NSE, and driver gene status were prognostic.
For SCLC with BM, baseline NSE and chemotherapy were prognostic; dynamic STM changes lacked independent prognostic significance.

Conclusions

Baseline CYFRA21-1, CEA, and NSE levels, along with driver gene status, are recommended for assessing outcomes in BM patients.
Dynamic changes in STMs throughout the disease course were not found to be independent predictors of patient outcomes.
Prognostic evaluation should prioritize baseline biomarker levels and genetic factors over dynamic STM trends.

Keywords:

Trajectory brain metastasis (BM) lung cancer prognosis serum tumor markers (STMs)