A Prediction Model Based on DNA Methylation Biomarkers and Radiological Characteristics for Identifying Malignant From Benign Pulmonary Nodules

Abstract BackgroundLung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths across the world. Early detection of lung cancer by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce the mortality rate. However, making a definitive preoperative diagnosis of malignant pulmonary nodules (PNs) found by LDCT is a clinical challenge. This study aimed to develop a prediction model based on DNA methylation biomarkers and radiological characteristics for identifying malignant pulmonary nodules from benign PNs. MethodsWe assessed three DNA methylation biomarkers (PTGER4, RASSF1A, and SHOX2) in a training cohort of 110 individuals with PNs. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, we developed a prediction model based on the three DNA methylation biomarkers and one radiological characteristic for identifying malignant from benign PNs. The performance of the prediction model with that of the methylation biomarkers and the Mayo Clinic model were compared using the non-parametric approach of DeLong et al. with the area under a receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. ResultsThe developed prediction model achieved a sensitivity of 87.3% and a specificity of 95.7% with an AUC value of 0.951 in malignant PNs diagnosis, being significantly higher than the three DNA methylation biomarkers (84.1% sensitivity and 89.4% specificity, p=0.013) or clinical/radiological characteristics (76.2% sensitivity and 87.2% specificity, p=0.001) alone. Validation of the prediction model in the testing cohort of 100 subjects with PNs confirmed the diagnostic value.ConclusionWe have shown that integrating DNA methylation biomarkers and radiological characteristics could more accurately identify lung cancer in subjects with CT-found PNs. The prediction model developed in our study may provide clinical utility in combination with LDCT to improve the over-all diagnosis of lung cancer.