[Evaluation of the value of determining levels of cytokeratin-19 fragments for diagnosis of lung cancer].

Abstract

Cytokeratins, the intermediate filaments, are expressed by many epithelial cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of cytokeratin-19 both in bronchial epithelium and in lung cancer cells. The aim of our study was to establish the value of serum cytokeratin-19 estimation by immunoenzymatic assay (Enzymun Cyfra 21-1, Boehringer Mannheim) in the patients (pts) with lung cancer (Ic). 153 pts (104 men, 49 women, median age 50 years) entered this study. The group consisted of 37 pts with benign lung diseases (control group), 56 pts with squamous cell Ic, 37 pts with small cell Ic and 23 with adenocarcinoma. Cut off value was determined at 4 ng/ml, with 96% of specificity. Elevated cytokeratin-19 values were found in 41% of pts with lung cancer (45% of squamous cell Ic, 39% of adenocarcinoma and 35% of small cell Ic). Median cytokeratin-19 values were 2.2 ng/ml in the control group, 3.4 ng/ml in squamous cell Ic, 3.3 ng/ml adenocarcinoma and 2.9 in small cell Ic. Cytokeratin-19 elevation was observed more often in non small cell Ic pts with advanced disease, stage III--46%, stage IV--50% than in early stages (I + II)--34%. In small cell Ic pts the frequency of cytokeratin-19 elevation was 20% in limited disease versus 45% in extensive disease. We conclude that cytokeratin estimation is not valuable in the recognition of histologic type of lung cancer, although elevated levels are seen more often in squamous cell Ic. Cytokeratin-19 estimation may be also helpful in lung cancer staging.

• Authors: M Szturmowicz, A Sakowicz, E Wiatr, J Zych, J Załeska, P Rudziński, E Rowińska-Zakrzewska
• Journal: Pneumonologia i alergologia polska (Pneumonol Alergol Pol) Vol. 63 Issue 11-12 Pg. 609-14 ( 1995) ISSN: 0867-7077 [Print] Poland
• Vernacular Title: Ocena wartości oznaczania stezenia fragmentu cytokeratyny-19 w rozpoznawaniu raka płuca.
• PMID: 8616475 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Peptide Fragments
• Keratins

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma (blood, diagnosis)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Biomarkers, Tumor (blood)
• Carcinoma, Small Cell (blood, diagnosis)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (blood, diagnosis)
• Female
• Humans
• Keratins (blood)
• Lung Neoplasms (blood, diagnosis)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Peptide Fragments (blood)