MUC1 and CD147 Are Promising Markers for the Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells in Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background/Aim: Lung cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer globally and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for only 15% of all cases but exhibits a dismal prognosis. The standard of care of SCLC has not changed for decades and novel biomarkers and novel strategies for patient's care are urgently needed. Materials and Methods: The expression of the two potential markers MUC1 and CD147 was evaluated in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CTC-derived SCLC cell lines using qRT PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA assays. Results: Both CTCs enriched from patient blood samples by Parsortix isolation technology and SCLC/CTC cell lines exhibited significant expression of MUC1 and CD147. Silencing of MUC1 increased chemosensitivity of an SCLC line to topotecan. Conclusion: Both markers, MUC1 and CD147, are highly expressed in patient-derived SCLC and SCLC CTC cell lines and show promise as potential biomarkers in SCLC.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the high expression of MUC1 and CD147 in circulating tumor cells and cell lines associated with small cell lung cancer, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for this type of cancer.