The molecular pathogenesis of small cell lung cancer Journal Article


Authors: D'Angelo, S. P.; Pietanza, M. C.
Article Title: The molecular pathogenesis of small cell lung cancer
Abstract: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents 13% of all lung cancer cases diagnosed in the United States. Although a chemotherapy-and radiation-sensitive disease, SCLC recurs rapidly with only 5% of patients surviving five years. This dismal prognosis likely is secondary to few improvements in its treatment, without significant changes in its standard of care over the last three decades. SCLC has a unique biology with specific molecular and cellular changes, which are the subject of active investigation. Here, we summarize the alterations leading to the pathogenesis of SCLC: chromosomal changes; dysregulation of tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, and signaling pathways; upregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases, growth factors and cellular markers; and the persistence of developmental pathways. Each of these represents potential targets for therapy and many biologic agents are being studied. © 2010 Landes Bioscience.
Keywords: signal transduction; cancer chemotherapy; pathogenesis; review; cisplatin; nonhuman; united states; etoposide; oncogenes; chromosome aberration; oncogene; tumor suppressor gene; lung small cell cancer; cell surface marker; tyrosine kinase receptor; tumor suppressor genes; mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor; chromosome analysis; everolimus; chromosomes; phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase inhibitor; protein kinase b inhibitor; receptor upregulation; developmental pathways; sclc; tyrosine receptor kinases
Journal Title: Cancer Biology and Therapy
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1538-4047
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group  
Date Published: 2010-07-01
Start Page: 1
End Page: 10
Language: English
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 21361067
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 20 April 2011" - "Source: Scopus"
Citation Impact
MSK Authors
  1. Maria C Pietanza
    122 Pietanza
  2. Sandra Pierina D'Angelo
    252 D'Angelo