| Abstract: |
The actions of specific growth factors and their receptors are postulated to play a role in malignant transformation of lung cells. The expression of various growth factors and their respective receptors has been characterized in the different histopathological subtypes of lung cancer. NSCLC exhibits a pattern of growth factor and receptor expression that is distinct from the pattern exhibited by SCLC cells, although these distinctions fail to exist in some instances. Profiles of growth factor and receptor expression on lung cancer cells provide a basis for designing strategies for antitumor therapy. Initial experimental clinical studies suggest that approaches directed at interfering with growth factor-receptor interactions may advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying malignant transformation and tumor progression, and may achieve the ultimate goal of identifying a new form of effective antitumor therapy. © 1997 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
