The predictive value and clinical application of measuring circulating endothelial progenitor cells in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the potential of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 34 lung adenocarcinoma patients and 8 healthy controls at the Department of Tumor Immunology and Oncology. EPCs were quantified using flow cytometry, while serum VEGF levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Comparative analyses between groups were performed, and correlations between EPC counts and VEGF levels were assessed. Bioinformatics analysis further explored VEGF expression in lung adenocarcinoma and its relationship with patient survival. RESULTS: Peripheral blood EPC counts were significantly elevated (7.36-fold higher) in treatment-naïve patients (n = 12) compared to healthy controls (n = 8) (p < 0.05). The chemotherapy group (n = 11) showed a further 1.05-fold increase compared to the treatment-naïve group (p < 0.05), while the chemotherapy+bevacizumab group (n = 11) demonstrated a 0.65-fold reduction compared to the chemotherapy group (p < 0.05). Serum VEGFA and VEGFB levels were significantly higher in patients than controls (0.08-fold and 0.11-fold increases, respectively; both p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between serum VEGFA/VEGFB levels and peripheral blood EPC counts (r = 0.593, p = 0.001; r = 0.440, p = 0.009, respectively). Bioinformatics analysis confirmed elevated VEGFA and VEGFB mRNA expression in lung adenocarcinoma patients compared to healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: Circulating EPCs may serve as valuable biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis and prognosis. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for incorporating EPC assessment in early lung cancer screening and monitoring targeted therapy effectiveness in lung adenocarcinoma patients.