[Lung cancer]

Abstract

Significant progress is being made in understanding molecular events leading to lung cancer. Both susceptibility factors (molecular markers of risk) and the genetic alterations involved have been discovered. New techniques for early detection of lung cancer based on molecular changes (i.e. mutations in p53, K-ras and rb, amplification of myc and Her-2/neu, deletion of 3p, and microsatellite instability) in sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid may be used as tools in diagnosis and prognosis, as well as in screening programs. These new findings should be transferred to the clinical environment. Multiple markers should be used, thereby increasing the chance of detecting the tumor or premalignant lesions. In the future, such research should be carried out in large prospective studies.