The role of prognostic factors and oncogenes in the detection and management of non-small-cell lung cancer

Abstract

Like other epithelial tumors, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a result of a series of genetic and epigenetic changes that eventually progress to invasive cancer. The order and timing of these changes, involving specific chromosomal locations, oncogenes, and tumor-suppressor genes, have become important areas of translational research. It is hoped that this research will lead to "very early" diagnosis and "very early" treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer, and to the identification of patients with poor prognostic tumor characteristics who may be helped by additional treatment. The recognition of persons with inherited predisposition to lung cancer is also on the horizon, and, together with the molecular characterization of lung cancer, brings with it a promise of improved treatment results.