Prognostic evaluation of relapse based on squamous cell carcinoma antigen, CXCR2, and CD44V6 blood levels in patients with Stage I–II squamous cell lung cancer

Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, predominantly exists as non-small cell lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of cases and comprising adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and large cell carcinoma as the three most prevalent histological subtypes. This study focused on investigating pre- and post-operative concentrations of SCC antigen in blood serum, as well as the percentage of CXCR2-containing lymphocytes and CD44v6-containing monocytes in blood cell populations among patients with Stages I–II squamous cell lung cancer (SCLC) within 1 year after tumor resection. The primary objective was to assess their potential for predicting relapse. The study cohort comprised 57 patients (32 men and 25 women) with newly diagnosed squamous cell lung cancer (21 at stage I and 36 at stage II). Following tumor resection, categorized as R0 in terms of surgical intervention, all parameters were examined before surgery and at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Analysis revealed that the probability of relapse could be accurately predicted, ranging from 68.4% to 89.5%, based on differences in SCC antigen concentration, the percentage of lymphocytes with CXCR2, and monocytes with the CD44v6 receptor during various post-operative intervals. Subsequent regression analysis and the formulation of a combined model incorporating the above-mentioned parameters led to an enhanced predictive value for tumor recurrence, reaching 96.5% accuracy (with specificity at 95.6% and sensitivity at 100%). These results indicate the potential utility of the combined model as an additional marker for predicting postoperative relapse in patients with Stage I–II SCLC.