DNA methylation of PTGER4 in peripheral blood plasma helps to distinguish between lung cancer, benign pulmonary nodules and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Background/introduction: In contrast to patients who present with advanced stage lung cancer and associated poor prognosis, patients with early-stage lung cancer may be candidates for curative treatments. The results of the NELSON lung cancer screening trial are expected to stimulate the development and implementation of a lung cancer screening strategy in most countries. Widespread use of chest computed tomography scans will also result in the detection of solitary pulmonary nodules.