E-Book Overview
Leading physician scientists and noted researchers describe step-by-step techniques for lung cancer diagnosis based on the molecular analysis of clinical samples. These experts review currently accepted treatments and outline a variety of novel therapies, including those based on gene therapy, immunotherapy, and chemoprevention, and show how these newly improved techniques can give a better appreciation of the prognosis associated with the particular mutation uncovered by the technique. These methods use a variety of molecular techniques, including the manipulation of gene expression and the alteration of immune status, to combat lung cancer.
E-Book Content
M E T H O D S I N M O L E C U L A R M E D I C I N E TM
Lung Cancer Volume II Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods and Reviews Edited by
Barbara Driscoll
Humana Press
Molecular and Genetic Aspects of Lung Cancer
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1 Molecular and Genetic Aspects of Lung Cancer William N. Rom and Kam-Meng Tchou-Wong 1. Introduction Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States with 170,000 deaths per year. This exceeds the sum of the next three leading causes of death due to cancer: breast, colon, and prostate. There are over 1 million deaths worldwide due to lung cancer, making it truly an epidemic. Fewer than 15% achieve a 5-yr survival. The vast majority (85%) present with advanced disease, although stage I patients may have a 5-yr survival approaching 70% (1). 80% of the lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; adenocarcinomas, squamous cell, bronchoalveolar and large cell carcinomas) and 20% are small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Cigarette smoking constitutes 80% of the attributable risk and asbestos, radon, other occupational and environmental exposures and genetic factors contribute to the rest. The purpose of this state of the art