The Open Lung Cancer Journal

2009, 2 : 24-30
Published online 2009 April 03. DOI: 10.2174/1876819900902010024
Publisher ID: TOLCJ-2-24

Molecular Prognostic and Predictive Markers in Lung Cancer

Eleni Karapanagiotou , Nektaria Makrilia , Kalliopi Dilana and Kostas Syrigos
Oncology Unit, 3 Department of Medicine, Athens University School of Medicine, Building Z, Sotiria General Hospital, Mesogion 152, 115 27 Athens, Greece.

ABSTRACT

Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in the Western World and there has been systematic effort to find markers with prognostic and predictive significance. Molecular biology is lately being used in order to find markers that are highly sensitive, specific and associated with survival. This review presents recent data regarding the numerous studies that have been conducted in this field. No marker has yet been proven to offer significant prognostic and predictive information but there is need for further research with metanalyses and new prospective studies.

Keywords:

Biomarkers, prognosis, pulmonary neoplasms.