Molecular genetic characteristics of lung cancer—useful as ‘real’ tumor markers?

• Published in: Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 7 - 24
• Main Authors: Fleischhacker, M, Beinert, T, Possinger, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01-07-1999; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers, Tumor - genetics; Diagnosis, Differential; Genes, ras; Humans; Keratins - biosynthesis; Keratins - genetics; Loss of Heterozygosity; Lung cancer; Lung Neoplasms - diagnosis; Lung Neoplasms - genetics; Medical sciences; Microsatellite Repeats - genetics; Molecular genetic characteristics; Mutation; Pneumology; Tumor markers; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 - genetics; Tumors of the respiratory system and mediastinum; Molecular genetic characteristics; Lung cancer; Tumor markers; Human; Lung disease; Respiratory disease; Bronchus disease; Genetics; Tumoral marker; Mutation; Malignant tumor; Molecular biology; Gene expression; Bronchopulmonary; Tumor cell
• ISSN: 0169-5002; 1872-8332
• DOI: 10.1016/S0169-5002(99)00043-4

The increased knowledge about the molecular mechanisms leading to the development of a tumor has opened new horizons for basic and applied research. Lung cancer is among the tumor entities with the highest incidence and mortality rates. Recently new drugs and therapeutic options for patients with lung cancer were developed. These developments demand new and improved techniques for the sensitive and specific detection of lung tumor cells. Some of the molecular genetic features of lung tumor cells are summarized and the possibilities to use these characteristics as new tumor markers are discussed.