Tumor markers and prognostic factors of the primary lung cancer

Abstract

Primary bronchial cancer is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide, and it shows a steadily increasing incidence. Beside classical histological typing and grading, immunohistochemical, cytometric, and molecular biological parameters are highly needed to assist light microscopy investigations to better characterize primary bronchial cancers. In this work the author summarizes the main tumor markers and prognostic factors in lung cancer studied intensively at present. Serum markers as well as different tissue markers, such as cell proliferation markers, oncogenes, growth factors, apoptosis markers and vascularisation markers, tumor suppressor genes and markers of drug resistance are discussed in details. The methods currently used in this field are also mentioned and the data of the literature is often completed with results of the author's own investigations. An overview is given about the role of tumor markers in the early detection of lung cancer, in the assessment of tumor aggressiveness, and in therapy of lung cancer. The aim of this work is to create a bridge between the research laboratory in which lung cancer is studied sometimes using very sophisticated techniques and the bedside with all its practical, difficult but very important questions. Getting closer the theory and the practice can be very promising in the establishment of a fruitful collaboration in order to be more effective in the fight against lung cancer.