Role of Plasma Progastrin Phenotypes as a Potential Biomarker for Screening and Diagnosis of Cancer - A Scoping Review

Introduction: Globally, over 18 million new cancer cases are identified and approximately 10 million people have died from this disease in 2018. Over the years, biomarkers have developed with several applications in the field of cancer research; one such biomarker is progastrin - a neuropeptide hormone, a precursor of gastrin hormone and secreted by the G cells of the antrum. Among the various phenotypes produced, Hpg80 and ProGastrin peptide realizing hormone (Pro GRP) are the two most common types seen among patients with cancer.

Aim: The aim of this scoping review is to gather literature on the role of Hpg80 and Pro GRP in common type of carcinomas occurring globally which include Lung, gastric, breasts, head neck and oral cancer.

Materials and Methods: Relevant studies were searched via MEDLINE (PUBMED), COCHRANE and GOOGLE SCHOLAR and 9 relevant studies were reviewed based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria from the period of January 2012 to December 2021.

Results: The main findings point to provide concrete evidence associating elevated levels of Hpg80 and Pro GRP in Lung carcinoma.

Conclusion: In light of the increasing interest in cancer diagnosis, Hpg80 and Pro GRP can be considered as a differentiating marker in screening and diagnosis of carcinomas.