Serum Cytokeratin 19 Fragment, CK19-2G2, as a Newly Identified Biomarker for Lung Cancer

BackgroundCK19-2G2, a new fragment of cytokeratin 19, is a potential tumor marker for diagnosing lung cancer. The preoperative level of serum CK19-2G2 has been demonstrated to be associated with tumor metastasis and survival of breast cancer patients. This study investigated the postoperative dynamic changes in serum CK19-2G2 levels and its clinical significance in lung cancer patients.Materials and MethodsPreoperative serum CK19-2G2 levels were measured in 630 lung cancer patients and were compared with individuals with benign pulmonary diseases (n = 134) and healthy volunteers (n = 263). In 352 cases, the patients underwent surgery. In these patients, in addition to preoperative assays, serum CK19-2G2 was also monitored at 1 week and 1 month after the operation.ResultsThe preoperative baseline levels of serum CK19-2G2 was significantly higher in lung cancer patients than patients with benign diseases and healthy controls (PConclusionCK19-2G2 may be a candidate marker for diagnosing and monitoring a patient's response to lung cancer treatment. In addition, CK19-2G2 may be an indicator for micrometastases in lung cancer patients.