sEV-GCC2 Achieves 0.904 AUC for Early Lung Adenocarcinoma Detection in 470-Sample Multicenter Cohort

Researchers collected preoperative plasma from five Korean hospitals and isolated small extracellular vesicles to quantify GCC2 protein by immunoassay. Levels were markedly elevated in patients, including stage I disease, and higher concentrations independently predicted shorter recurrence-free survival after adjustment for stage and comorbidities. Functional experiments in cell lines and xenografts showed GCC2-containing vesicles promoted proliferation and lymph-node metastasis, suggesting a mechanistic role beyond passive shedding. Current low-dose CT screening reduces mortality yet generates high false-positive rates and limited uptake; a blood test with this performance could triage individuals for imaging and refine postoperative surveillance, though single-marker reliance risks missing heterogeneous tumors. Larger prospective cohorts outside East Asia and head-to-head comparison with ctDNA or multi-omics panels are required before screening trials can assess mortality impact.