Non-small cell lung cancer detection using microRNA expression profiling of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and sputum.

Aim: To assess if miRNA expression profiling of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and sputum could be used to detect early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials And Methods: Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed on the expression levels of 5 miRNAs (miR-21, miR-143, miR-155, miR-210, and miR-372) which were quantified using RNA reverse transcription and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in sputum and BAL samples from NSCLC cases and cancer-free controls.

Results: Cluster analysis of the miRNA expression levels in BAL samples from 21 NSCLC cases and sputum samples from 10 cancer-free controls yielded a diagnostic sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 100%. Cluster analysis of sputum samples from the same patients yielded a diagnostic sensitivity of 67.8% and specificity of 90%.

Conclusion: miRNA expression profiling of sputum and BAL fluids represent a potential means to detect early-stage NSCLC.