Clinical Report: HERV-K EnvelopE RNA as a Biomarker for Lung Adenocarcinoma

Overview

This study investigates the potential of plasma HERV-K env mRNA as a non-invasive biomarker for diagnosing lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The findings indicate that HERV-K env mRNA levels are significantly elevated in lung cancer patients compared to benign conditions.

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of lung cancer, and its early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Current diagnostic methods, including low-dose computed tomography and serum tumor markers, have limitations in specificity and sensitivity.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• HERV-K env mRNA is significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues compared to adjacent tissues.
• Plasma HERV-K env mRNA levels are elevated in lung cancer patients compared to benign nodules and healthy controls.
• Strong correlation exists between plasma HERV-K env mRNA and tissue expression in both LUAD and LUSC.
• High plasma HERV-K env mRNA is associated with poorer overall survival in LUAD patients.
• ROC analysis indicates excellent diagnostic performance for stage I/II LUAD.

Clinical Implications

Further validation in larger, multicenter studies is necessary to establish the clinical utility of plasma HERV-K env mRNA.

Conclusion

Plasma HERV-K env mRNA may serve as a biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Related Resources & Content

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2. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- An expression signature of 19 human endogenous retroviruses identifies immunogenic luminal breast cancers likely to respond to immunotherapy
3. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Peripheral Immune Cell Profiles and Tumor Marker Expression in High-Risk HPV-Infected Cervical Lesions: A Comparative Study
4. Final Recommendation Statement: Lung Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce
5. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Version 7.2025 - PubMed
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7. Final Recommendation Statement: Lung Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce
8. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Version 7.2025 - PubMed
9. Circulating cell-free DNA methylation as biomarker for lung cancer detection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies | Systematic Reviews | Springer Nature Link