Genetic changes in lung cancer: Potential biomarkers for early detection and prevention

Recent evidence suggests that genetic changes observed in lung cancer occur in bronchial epithelial cells before frank tumor development and can be detected throughout the lower respiratory tract of individuals at risk for this disease. However, it is not currently known whether these acquired molecular abnormalities in bronchial epithelial cells are associated with respiratory carcinogenesis, and therefore would be useful as markers of this process, or are merely representative of carcinogen exposure. Further studies are essential to conclusively demonstrate an association of these genetic changes with development of lung cancer and to validate their use as biomarkers for this disease. Such validation will not only provide insight into the mechanisms and pathways involved in respiratory carcinogenesis, it will also furnish a new set of tools for lung cancer prevention and early detection.