A potential prognostic marker in primitive lung neuroendocrine tumor: A case report

Int J Biol Markers. 2020 Sep;35(3):102-106. doi: 10.1177/1724600820947107. Epub 2020 Aug 20.

Abstract

Background: The diagnosis and monitoring of primitive lung neuroendocrine tumors (lung pNETs) are usually performed by the measurement of serum chromogranin A (CgA) and urinary 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels. However, imaging techniques are necessary due to the poor diagnostic efficiency of the laboratory tests.

Methods: A total-body computed tomography and bone scintigraphy scans showed multiple hepatic and bone metastases of a 55-year-old man affected by well-differentiated lung pNETs without severe initial symptoms. After diagnosis, he started therapy and was monitored with serum, urinary markers, and imaging techniques.

Results: During follow-up, the urinary 5-HIAA levels did not significantly increase, while serum CgA and urinary para-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (pHPAA) levels (urinary organic acid physiologically present in the urines of healthy subjects) showed significant increases related to worsening clinical condition.

Conclusions: The early increase in urinary pHPAA levels-usually not dosed in pNET patient monitoring-could be a promising prognostic marker.

Keywords: 5-HIAA; CgA; Lung pNETs; pHPAA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnosis*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor