The Role of Isocitrate Dehydrogenase as a Serum Biomarker in Detecting Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is a significant health problem, ranking as the second most prevalent cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) accounts for a substantial portion of these cases. While histological biopsy is the golden standard for diagnosis of this disease, its invasiveness and associated risks show the need for an alternative approach. This review evaluates the potential of Isocitrate Dehydrogenase (IDH) as a specific serum biomarker for NSCLC detection. Aim: This study aimed to provide an overview of the diagnostic potential of IDH serum and identify gaps of knowledge for further investigations.Methods: A literature search was conducted across 3 databases, namely Pubmed, Science Direct, and Proquest, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.Results: The analysis of 4 studies showed a higher level of IDH in the serum of early-stage NSCLC patients before surgery compared to healthy control. Most investigations reported an AUC above 0.5 and were statistically significant.Conclusion: IDH has promising potential as a biomarker for diagnosing NSCLC. Future investigations should conduct a cohort study type to avoid bias and establish the definitive role of this enzyme as a reliable biomarker for NSCLC.