2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-EP04.01. Double Blind Evaluation of Circulating Cancer Associated Macrophage Like (CAML) Cells for Detection of Cancer in Pulmonary Nodules

EP04.01. Double Blind Evaluation of Circulating Cancer Associated Macrophage Like (CAML) Cells for Detection of Cancer in Pulmonary Nodules - PDF(Abstract)

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This study aimed to evaluate the use of circulating cancer-associated macrophage-like (CAML) cells for the detection of cancer in pulmonary nodules. The researchers conducted a double-blind, two-center study involving patients with pulmonary nodules and no prior cancer diagnosis. Blood samples were collected and CAMLs were detected using a filter-based system. The primary outcomes measured were the positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, and specificity of CAMLs at the initial screen. <br /><br />A total of 203 patients were enrolled, and 200 had samples sent for CAML analysis. Among the 191 evaluable patients, the incidence of biopsy-documented cancer was 31%. CAMLs were detected in 45% of patients, but there was no correlation between CAML size and the risk of malignancy. The presence or absence of CAMLs did not enhance the predictive value of nodule size for the detection of malignancy. <br /><br />Based on the results, the researchers concluded that CAMLs are not sensitive or specific enough to be used as a standalone marker for the presence of malignancy in indeterminate pulmonary nodules. Further analysis is ongoing to determine if there are any associations between CAMLs and other clinical or radiologic features. The study had to be amended due to a higher-than-anticipated number of cancers detected, likely due to the tertiary care nature of the participating institutions. <br /><br />In summary, this study found that CAMLs are not reliable biomarkers for the early detection of cancer in pulmonary nodules.

Asset Subtitle

Martin Edelman

Meta Tag

Speaker Martin Edelman

Topic Screening & Early Detection: Biomarkers/Imaging Technology

Keywords

Circulating cancer-associated macrophage-like cells

CAML cells

Pulmonary nodules

Double-blind study

Filter-based system

Positive predictive value

Negative predictive value

Sensitivity

Specificity

Biopsy-documented cancer