The diagnostic value of a seven‐autoantibody panel and a nomogram with a scoring table for predicting the risk of non–small‐cell lung cancer

The early detection of non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a common concern. The aim of our study was to validate the diagnostic value of a seven‐autoantibody (7‐AAB) panel compared with radiological diagnosis for NSCLC. We constructed a nomogram and a scoring table based on the 7‐AAB panel’s result to predict the risk of NSCLC. We prospectively enrolled 268 patients who presented with radiological lesions and underwent both the 7‐AAB panel test and pathological diagnosis by surgical resection. A comparison between the 7‐AAB panel and radiological diagnosis was performed. A nomogram and a scoring table based on the 7‐AAB panel’s result to predict the risk of NSCLC were constructed and internally validated. The 7‐AAB panel test had a specificity of 90.2% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 92.7%, which were significantly higher than those of the radiological diagnosis. The 7‐AAB panel also showed a preferable sensitivity in patients with early‐stage disease. Seven factors, including the 7‐AAB panel results, were integrated into the nomogram. For more convenient application, we formulated a scoring table based on the nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.840 and 0.860 in the training group and validation group, respectively, which was higher than that using the 7‐AAB panel or radiological diagnosis alone. This study reveals that our 7‐AAB panel has clinical value in the diagnosis of NSCLC. The utility of our nomogram and the scoring table indicated that they have the potential to assist clinicians in avoiding unnecessary treatment or needless follow‐up.