Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
11:15
Next Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in Solid and Liquid Tumors
Published on: September 20, 2016
Characteristic genetic alterations in lung cancer
Ignacio I Wistuba1, Adi F Gazdar
1Department of Pathology, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Methods in Molecular Medicine
|November 6, 2002
Summary
Lung cancer development involves multiple genetic mutations in oncogenes. Identifying specific genetic changes offers new avenues for early lung cancer diagnosis and risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Lung cancer progression is linked to accumulating genetic alterations.
- Both dominant and recessive oncogenes are implicated in lung cancer development.
- Genetic and epigenetic changes can be common or specific to lung cancer types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the specific genes and cumulative mutations driving lung cancer.
- To understand the molecular pathology across different lung cancer histologic types.
- To explore the potential of genetic changes for early diagnosis and risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic and epigenetic changes in lung cancer tissues.
- Identification of specific gene mutations and chromosomal alterations.
- Investigation of bronchial epithelium in patients and smokers.
Main Results:
- Multiple mutations in oncogenes are necessary for invasive lung cancer.
- Some genetic alterations are universal, while others are specific to tumor types.
- Early findings suggest genetic markers in bronchial epithelium are promising.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to fully identify specific mutations and their sequence.
- Genetic insights hold potential for improved early diagnosis of lung cancer.
- Genetic changes may aid in assessing risk and monitoring chemoprevention efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
02:21Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
Cancer arises from mutations in the critical genes that allow healthy cells to escape cell cycle regulation and acquire the ability to proliferate indefinitely. Though originating from a single mutation event in one of the originator cells, cancer progresses when the mutant cell lines continue to gain more and more mutations, and finally, become malignant. For example, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) develops initially as a non-lethal increase in white blood cells, which progressively...
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...