Affiliations: [a] Clinic of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Institute of Mexico (INcan), Mexico City, Mexico | [b] Experimental Oncology Laboratory, INCan, Mexico City, Mexico | [c] Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico | [d] Bristol-Myers Squibb, Oncology, Mexico
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Oscar Arrieta, Thoracic Oncology Clinic, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), San Fernando #22, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 México, D.F., México. Tel.: +52 55 5628 0400, ext. 832; Fax: +52 55 551315 1223; E-mail: ogar@servidor.unam.mx
Abstract: Background:Few studies, have evaluated the prognostic impact of the quantification of mRNA expression levels in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Objective:The aim of this work was to quantify mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood through three epithelial markers in patients with stages IIIB and IV in NSCLC. Methods:Seventy advanced NSCLC patients and ten healthy controls were included. All patients received platinum-based chemotherapy in first line treatment. Peripheral blood was obtained of each participant and mRNA expression levels present in circulating cells were quantified by molecular techniques (RT-PCR) using three epithelial markers: cytokeratin (CK)-18, CK-19 and Carcinoembryonic-Antigen (CEA). The expression levels were quantified from a standard curve using the cDNA obtained from A549 cells. Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01052818). Results:We found a significant statistical correlation between levels of CK-18, CK-19 and CEA mRNA. mRNA expression levels were lower in patients who present three or less metastasis; higher CEA mRNA expression was associated a worse progression-free survival to platinum-based chemotherapy and overall survival. Conclusion:RNA expression of CEA by RT-PCR is useful as a prognostic marker in advanced NSCLC.
