High N-Terminal Pro–B-Type Natriuretic Peptide: A Biomarker of Lung Cancer?

• Published in: Clinical lung cancer Vol. 11; no. 5; pp. 341 - 345
• Main Authors: Aujollet, Nathalie, Meyer, Marjorie, Cailliod, Romain, Combier, Fanny, Coignet, Yann, Campard, Sebastien, Facy, Olivier, Bernard, Alain, Girard, Claude
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-09-2010
• Subjects: Aged; Atrial fibrillation; Biomarkers - metabolism; C-Reactive Protein - metabolism; Cardiac biomarker; Dysthyroidy; Female; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Lung Neoplasms - metabolism; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain - metabolism; NT-proBNP; Peptide Fragments - metabolism; Pulmonary/Respiratory; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; ROC Curve; Cardiac biomarker; Dysthyroidy; NT-proBNP; Atrial fibrillation
• ISSN: 1525-7304; 1938-0690
• DOI: 10.3816/CLC.2010.n.043

Abstract Background The level of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is affected by many known factors. Our study aimed to evaluate whether other factors, in particular lung cancer, could be responsible for an increase in NT-proBNP levels in a population with no known risk factors for elevated NT-proBNP. Patients and Methods This study was based on the RIABO (Recueil de l’Ischémie au Bloc Opératoire) database, a single-center registry that prospectively records in elective noncardiac surgery. Patients aged > 75 years and those presenting with 1 or more known risk factors for high NT-proBNP were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to preoperative NT-proBNP levels: (≥ 125 pg/mL or < 125 pg/mL). Results Between October 2005 and February 2007, 439 patients were eligible for inclusion. Among 35 patients with lung cancer, 26 (74%) had elevated NT-proBNP (≥ 125 pg/mL), versus 9 (26%) with NT-proBNP < 125 pg/mL ( P < .0001). By multivariate analysis, the presence of lung cancer was an independent risk factor for a level of NT-proBNP ≥ 125 pg/mL (odds ratio, 7; 95% CI, 2.9-17; P < .0001). We also observed an independent relationship between NT-proBNP ≥ 125 pg/mL and age, female sex, smoking status, and C-reactive protein levels. Conclusion In our study, patients with lung cancer were 7 times more likely to have elevated NT-proBNP (≥ 125 pg/mL). The presence of lung cancer should therefore be taken into account when interpreting NT-proBNP levels. Further studies are warranted to explore the diagnostic value of this marker in lung cancer and to identify the cause of the elevation.