Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in US, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most frequent histology. Early diagnosis is crucial. High-resolution CT has increased the discovery of solitary lung lesions, many of which are benign, whereas some progress to invasive cancer; the identification of novel biomarkers to predict the malignant potential of these lesions is of paramount importance. We found that sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) is expressed in human pre-malignant and early-stage LADC, and is required for progression of LUAD. SGLT activity can be measured by PET imaging with methyl-4-[18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (Me4FDG). Importantly, we identified SGLT2 activity in FDG-negative, early-stage lesions in mouse models and in human lung nodules.
Specific aims of the study are: 1. To assess the safety and efficacy of Me4FDG in patients with lung cancer, via a pilot study in 60 patients (30 with pathological diagnosis of LUAD, 30 with a clinical diagnosis of benign nodule); 2. To evaluate the prognostic significance of SGLT2 expression in early lung adenocarcinoma, through SGLT2 staining of 674 samples embedded in tissue microarrays.
The proposed research is likely to introduce a novel diagnostic tool for early diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, and further define the prognostic role of SGLT2 in lung cancer. If successful, this pilot trial will open the way for larger clinical studies where we will evaluate the ability of Me4FDG PET to predict the malignant behavior of indeterminate subsolid lung nodules. This will improve the early diagnosis of lung cancer.
