Prognostic effects of SuPAR and Neopterin Levels on Patients with Lung Cancer

Abstract Background: Two unique biomarkers, soluble form of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and neopterin, play a crucial role in inflammatory processes. This study aimed to reveal whether it is possible to utilize these biomarkers in predicting tumor prognosis in patients with lung cancers. Methods: The present study was designed as a single center, prospective, and controlled research. The study was conducted with forty patients with lung cancer (case group) and 41 healthy individuals (control group) in Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Medicine between 2016-2020. The case group was also divided into two of the early and advanced stages. The blood samples were drawn to evaluate suPAR and neopterin levels, and these parameters were compared between the case and control groups. Also, the prognostic effects of age, stage of the tumor, and the levels of mentioned parameters were investigated with the survival analysis. Results: The median duration of the follow-up was 32 (4-75) months. suPAR and neopterin levels were found to be higher in the case group than in the control group. Cox regression showed that the high levels of neopterin and suPAR increased mortality risk [p=0.002, HR: 1.25 (1.08-1.45 95%CI) and p=0.023, HR:1.07 (1.01-1.13), respectively]. Finally, age and stage of the tumor were found to have no relationship with survival. Conclusion: suPAR and neopterin as members of the inflammatory pathway were found to be higher in cancer cases. Furthermore, both suPAR and neopterin levels were found to be predictive for the mortality of patients with lung cancers; therefore, they are thought to be used for the management of cancer.