Jerome S. Brody

Genomics in the Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the progress made in understanding the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis of lung cancer, and describes how gene expression profiling on human lung cancer, airway, and peripheral blood specimens is leading to new approaches in lung cancer screening, classification, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The focus is on genomic studies of lung cancer and the findings of methylation and microRNA (miRNA) arrays in lung tumorigenesis. Hereditary factors explain susceptibility to the carcinogenic effects of smoking. Current studies use genomic profiling to identify the subset of smokers who are at high risk for developing lung cancer and highlights the importance of developing biomarkers and chemoprevention strategies aimed at high-risk current or former smokers. Gene expression profiling, combined with genetics, clinical information, proteomics, and imaging studies, can be applied to developing tools for risk-assessment, early diagnosis, and new approaches for individualized treatment. With stronger working relationships and collaborations between bench scientists and their clinical counterparts, and establishment of large databases with standardized methods for data collection and analyses, modern genomic technology promises continued improvement in diagnostic and therapeutic options for lung cancer patients.