CD40 expression on human lung cancer correlates with metastatic spread

Purpose: The poor prognosis associated with lung cancer is related to the h igh incidence of regional and distant metastasis. There is a crucial need t o identify parameters that can predict a tendancy to metastatic spread to a llow better prognostic evaluation and therapeutic approach. Methods: Using flow cytometry we evaluated 18 human lung cancer cell lines for the express ion of different surface markers on lung cancers suggested to be possible p rognostic parameters, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in tercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), Fas and CD40. Results: No correla tion was found between tumor prognosis and EGFR, ICAM-1 or Fas. However, a statistically significant correlation was found between the surface express ion of CD40 and the metastatic spread of the tumor. In this study, 14 of 18 lung cancer cell lines (78%) expressed CD40 on their surface. All of the 4 tumors that were CD40-negative, were stage I tumors, without any evidence of regional or distant metastasis. Of the 14 tumors that expressed CD40, al l but 1 (93%) had either nodal or systemic metastasis at the time of diagno sis. Patients whose tumors were CD40-negative showed a significantly better N stage, overall stage at presentation and survival than those patients wi th CD40-positive patients. No significant differences between the two group s were observed in tumor size, gender, age, histology, differentiation or p reoperative therapy. Conclusions: These results suggest that CD40 expressio n on lung cancer may play a role in metastatic spread, and also may serve a s a prognostic marker and an indicator of advanced disease.