Study Presentation: Midkine and NSCLC (Biomarker)

135th Congress of the German Surgery Society
17-20 April 2018



Serum midkine correlates with tumor stage and overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer
M.Reeh, T.Ghadban, D. R.Perez, J. R.Izbicki, M.Bockhorn
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg

Congress Program
http://chirurgie2018.de/pdf/DGC_2018_Tagungsprogramm.pdf

Session Abstract
http://h2041619.stratoserver.net/chirurgie2018/timetable/abstract.php?id=487

Introduction
Midkine (MK) plays a central role in carcinogenesis, including antiapoptotic and angiogenic activities. The expression of MK is increased in various human tumors with elevated serum levels. The aim of the current study was to determine if MK levels are increased in the serum of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients compared with healthy controls and if MK can serve as a peripheral prognostic marker.

Material and Methods
MK levels were determined in 59 patients with NSCLC and 79 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MK levels were correlated with clinico-patholigical parameters, tumor recurrence and survival.

Results
Median MK levels in NSCLC patients 1100±484 pg/ml and 335±266 pg/ml in healthy controls (p<0.001). A significant correlation between MK levels and T-Stage (p=0.012) and local recurrence (p=0.004) was found. Patients with MK levels >700 pg/ml had a statistical significant shorter overall survival (p=0.031), recurrence-free survival did not differ significant (p=0.057).

Conclusion
MK levels are significantly increased in serum of patients with NSCLC, in addition MK levels correlate with survival and tumor stage. Further investigations are needed to verify these findings and if MK can serve as a peripheral prognostic marker.