Serum levels of pantropic p53 protein and EGF-receptor, and detection of anti-p53 antibodies in former uranium miners (SDAG Wismut).
BACKGROUND
The oncogene product EGF-receptor (EGF-R), the tumor suppressor gene product p53, and anti-p53 antibodies are detectable in serum of certain cancer patients. Increased levels of some of these products were reported in lung cancer patients after occupational asbestos exposure, after exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or vinyl chloride. This molecular epidemiological study investigated the use of serum EGF-R, p53-protein, and anti-p53 antibodies as biomarkers for detection of effects of radon and its decay products.


METHODS
Serum EGF-R, p53-protein, and anti-53 antibodies were measured using ELISA in former uranium miners of SDAG Wismut without lung disease (n=106) and miners with Schneeberg lung cancer (n=22). They were compared with healthy subjects (n=23), patients with lung cancer not due to ionizing radiation (n=88), and patients with non-malignant lung or pleural diseases (n=50).


RESULTS
No significantly elevated or decreased serum values for p53 protein, EGF-R, or anti-p53 antibodies could be found. There was no correlation of these with Working Level Months (WLM).


CONCLUSIONS
p53 protein, EGF-R, or anti-p53 antibodies in serum are not useful as biomarkers for detection of lung cancer related to ionizing radiation (i.e., Schneeberg lung cancer).
Schneider
J
J
Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits- und Sozialmedizin, Justus-Liebig Universität Giessen, Aulweg 129/III, 35385 Giessen, Germany.
Presek
P
P
Braun
A
A
Woitowitz
H J
HJ
D000368:Aged; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000097:blood*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008906:Mining; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000097:blood*; D014501:Uranium
D000906:Antibodies; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D014501:Uranium; D066246:ErbB Receptors