Molecular genetic characteristics of lung cancer - useful as 'real' tumor markers?

The increased knowledge about the molecular mechanisms leading to the devel opment of a tumor has opened new horizons for basic and applied research. L ung cancer is among the tumor entities with the highest incidence and morta lity rates. Recently new drugs and therapeutic options for patients with lu ng cancer were developed. These developments demand new and improved techni ques for the sensitive and specific detection of lung tumor cells. Some of the molecular genetic features of lung tumor cells are summarized and the p ossibilities to use these characteristics as new tumor markers are discusse d. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.