ABSTRACT
The aim of this review is to present the advances in our understanding of the progression of tumorigenesis in neuroendocrine lung tumors. Current information on established and putative diagnostic and prognostic markers of neuroendocrine tumors are evaluated, with a special reference to small-cell lung carcinoma, due to its higher incidence and aggressive behavior. The genetic and molecular changes that accompany these neoplasms are highlighted, and factors that influence cell-cycle progression, apoptosis, drug resistance, and escape from immune surveillance are critically assessed.
Subject(s)
Apoptosis/physiology , Carcinoma, Small Cell/genetics , Carcinoma, Small Cell/physiopathology , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/physiopathology , Neuroendocrine Tumors/genetics , Neuroendocrine Tumors/physiopathology , Carcinoma, Small Cell/immunology , Cell Adhesion Molecules/physiology , Cell Nucleus/physiology , Chromosome Aberrations , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/physiology , Genes, bcl-2/physiology , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/immunology , Neovascularization, Pathologic/physiopathology , Neuroendocrine Tumors/immunologyABSTRACT
This review aims in presenting the established and putative prognostic markers in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We have focused on the molecular/genetic alterations accompanying the pathogenesis of this malignancy, which may derange the cellular response to external and internal stimuli. A variety of factors influencing cell cycle progression, programmed cell death, drug resistance and immune evasion seem to obtain a predictive--though sometimes argued--role. Taking into account that a great number of these factors develope "cross-talking" protein-complex networks, their combined evaluation is likely to contribute towards a more accurate prediction of the clinical outcome in NSCLC patients.
