The clinical significance of gastrin releasing peptide precursor (ProGRP)

        It is stably expressed in the blood and is a good marker for the detection of small cell lung cancer.

1. Screening
        Serum ProGRP is generally not used for lung cancer screening.

2. Auxiliary diagnosis
        ① Serum ProGRP is one of the first-choice markers for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and it has an auxiliary diagnostic value. It can also be used for the differential diagnosis of small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. ProGRP and NSE can increase the positive rate of small cell lung cancer when used in combination.
        ② Elevated serum ProGRP can also be seen in certain neuroendocrine cell tumors, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma.
        ③ Serum ProGRP can also be elevated to varying degrees in certain benign diseases, such as urinary system diseases and respiratory system diseases, but the positive percentage is low. Renal failure can lead to an increase in serum ProGRP.

3. Prognosis assessment
        Serum ProGRP is an important prognostic indicator for small cell lung cancer. Serum ProGRP continues to rise, indicating a poor prognosis.

4. Efficacy and recurrence monitoring
        ① Serum ProGRP can be used to monitor the efficacy of small cell lung cancer. After treatment, the concentration of ProGRP decreases significantly, indicating that the treatment is effective; if the serum ProGRP continues to rise, it indicates poor efficacy.
        ② Serum ProGRP can be used for follow-up and recurrence monitoring of small cell lung cancer. Generally, it should be tested every 3 months within 2 years after treatment, and every 6 months within 3 to 5 years.