Characterization of a serum protein pattern from NSCLC patients treated with Gefitinib.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a protein-based pattern in serum previously determined by MALDI-TOF-MS (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight) and considered potentially useful for prediction of clinical outcome of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) TKIs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) treated patients. Design and methods We generated SELDI-TOF (Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight) spectra in sera of 11 advanced NSCLC treated with Gefitinib. We detected the clusters with m / z 5843, 11 445, 11 529, 11 685, 11 759 and 11 903 which were previously reported to be potential predictors of response to Gefitinib treatment. Results Four cluster peaks with m / z 5843, 11 445, 11 529, 11 685 corresponded to SAA (serum amyloid A) protein on the basis on their calculated molecular weight, peptide fingerprinting and antibodies recognition. Conclusions We confirm that several proteins already reported were isoforms of SAA but further studies are in development in order to evaluate the predictive value of such algorithm.