Abstract:
Objective We aimed to determine the diagnostic value of tumor-associated autoantibodies (T-AABs), namely, p53, PGP9.5, SOX2, GAGE7, GBU4-5, MAGE-A1, and CAGE; this 7-AAB panel is known to be helpful in diagnosing malignant pulmonary nodules. The diagnostic value of 7-AABs in combination with tumor markers serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron specific enolase (NSE), cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) and the Mayo model in malignant lung nodules was evaluated separately, and the correlation between 7-AABs and CT imaging signs was also studied.
Methods A total of 208 patients with pulmonary nodules and surgical pathology results admitted to the Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University from December 2016 to February 2019 were enrolled in this study. The levels of plasma AABs were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The value of 7-AABs in the diagnosis of malignant lung nodules was evaluated by comparing and combining the results of tumor markers and the Mayo model. The Chi-square test or t-test was used to determine the correlation between 7-AABs and the CT imaging signs of the patients.
Results The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 7-AABs were 54.7%, 87.9% and 92.1%, respectively. The sensitivity of 7-AABs was increased to 70.0% when combined with tumor markers. The area under the curve (AUC) of 7-AABs in combination with the Mayo model in the diagnosis of malignant pulmonary nodules was 0.699. The expression of 7-AABs was found to be positively correlated with spicule and vacuole signs (P < 0.05, respectively).
Conclusions Determination of plasma AABs levels is crucial for the differentiation of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. Additionally, the diagnostic efficacy of 7-AABs is improved when combined with tumor markers and the Mayo model during the diagnosis of malignant pulmonary nodules. The expression of 7-AABs is positively correlated with spicule and vacuole signs, which might further assist in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lung nodules.