Using molecular markers in sputum for the early detection of lung cancer: a review

Abstract

Recent exciting advances have been made in identifying potential molecular markers in sputum which may soon be ready for validation trials to indicate high risk for lung cancer, especially central airway squamous cell lung cancer. Hopefully, a set of biomarkers will be identified with higher sensitivity, specificity, and enough lead-time compared to traditional cytopathology to justify endobronchial evaluation and local therapy to help reduce lung-cancer mortality in high-risk patients.