Analysis of TGF-β1 Levels in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid among Lung Cancer, Suspected, and Non-Cancer Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36497/Keywords:
TGF-β1, lung cancer, bronchoalveolar lavage, biomarkerAbstract
Abstract
Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1) plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis and may serve as a diagnostic biomarker. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) represents a relevant medium to assess biomarkers reflecting the tumor microenvironment. To evaluate TGF-β1 levels in BALF among patients with lung cancer, suspected lung cancer, and non-cancer conditions, and to determine the diagnostic cut-off value of TGF-β1.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh. BALF samples were obtained via bronchoscopy from patients classified as lung cancer, suspected lung cancer, and non-cancer. TGF-β1 levels were measured using ELISA, and diagnostic performance was analyzed to establish cut-off values, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).
Results: The optimal cut-off level for TGF-β1 was determined at 105.63 pg/mL. Sensitivity was 67.44% and specificity 61.90%. A high PPV of 78.38% indicated that elevated TGF-β1 levels strongly correlated with malignancy. Conversely, the NPV was low (48.15%), limiting its role as an exclusion tool.
Conclusion: TGF-β1 in BALF demonstrates potential as a diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer with moderate performance. It may serve as a supportive “rule-in” test to strengthen clinical suspicion but is insufficient as a stand-alone diagnostic tool. Combining TGF-β1 with other biomarkers in a multiparametric diagnostic panel is recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Keywords: TGF-β1, lung cancer, bronchoalveolar lavage, biomarker
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