Analysis of a novel serum screening marker for malignant thoracic tumors

Mortality from thoracic malignant tumors, including primary lung cancer, has been increasing in Japan in recent years. However, these diseases are potentially curable when detected at an early stage, making screening examinations essential for reducing mortality. Currently, chest radiography and the measurement of tumor markers used in screening are insufficient for the early detection of thoracic malignancies. In contrast, chest computed tomography and bronchoscopy are not suitable as screening tools for health checkups due to their invasiveness and the limited availability of facilities and physicians capable of performing these procedures. Based on the outcomes of this study, we aim to establish a highly accurate serum-based screening technology for thoracic malignant tumors in the future and subsequently promote the implementation of this technology in population-based health screening programs. This study was conducted under approval of the NBDC Human Data Review Committee (Research ID: hum0554).