Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2011; 32(1): 032-043
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1272867
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Evolving Concepts in Lung Carcinogenesis

Brigitte N. Gomperts1 , 2 , Avrum Spira3 , Pierre P. Massion4 , 5 , Tonya C. Walser1 , Ignacio I. Wistuba6 , John D. Minna7 , Steven M. Dubinett1 , 8
  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
  • 2Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
  • 3Department of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
  • 4Department of Medicine, Department of Cancer Biology, Thoracic Oncology Center, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee
  • 5Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
  • 6Department of Pathology, Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • 7Department of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
  • 8Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
15. April 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Lung carcinogenesis is a complex, stepwise process that involves the acquisition of genetic mutations and epigenetic changes that alter cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, invasion, and metastasis. Here, we review some of the latest concepts in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and highlight the roles of inflammation, the “field of cancerization,” and lung cancer stem cells in the initiation of the disease. Furthermore, we review how high throughput genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics are advancing the study of lung carcinogenesis. Finally, we reflect on the potential of current in vitro and in vivo models of lung carcinogenesis to advance the field and on the areas of investigation where major breakthroughs will lead to the identification of novel chemoprevention strategies and therapies for lung cancer.

REFERENCES

Brigitte N GompertsM.D. 

Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

10833 Le Conte Ave., A2-410 MDCC, Los Angeles, CA 90095

eMail: bgomperts@mednet.ucla.edu