Differential c‐terminal protein fragments of α‐1‐microglobulin/bikunin precursor as potential maker for early detection of lung adenocarcinoma

receptor mutation, smoking habits, lymphovascular space invasion, tumour size, maximum standard uptake value and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were significantly different in the 2 groups. In thegroup with a GGO ratio >0.75, 63.3% of the patients underwent sublobar resection (18.8% with a GGO ratio < 0.75, P < 0.001). These patientshad fewer relapses (2.2% for GGO ratio >0.75, 26.8% for GGO ratio < 0.75, P < 0.001) and a better 5-year survival rate (95.5% for GGO ratio>0.75, 77.4% for GGO ratio < 0.75, P < 0.001). None of the patients with a GGO ratio >0.75 had lymph node involvement. The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that a GGO ratio < 0.75 was an independent factor for postoperative relapse with a hazard ratio of 3.96. Conclusion: A GGO ratio >0.75 provided a favourable prognostic prediction in patients with resected lung adenocarcinoma. Sublobarresection and lymph node sampling revealed a fair outcome regardless of tumour size. However, anatomical resection is still the standard approach for patients with tumours with a GGO ratio < 0.75, size >2 cm.