Lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) accounts for approximately 35% of all lung cancers and has an overall 5-year survival rate of 17%. Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is recognized for its non-invasive features and excellent prognosis. BAC has a distinct histological pattern, with tumor cells growing along a pre-existing alveolar framework, without evidence of stromal, pleural or vascular invasion. Yet, some invasive ADC’s, classified as mixed type, may have components or large areas of BAC-like pattern.

The researchers have identified genomic and expression profiles of different subtypes of lung ADC. They have identified a number of altered genomic regions that distinguish between subtypes of lung ADC–specifically between BAC and invasive ADC with BAC features (AWBF), as well as genes or biomarkers whose expression are altered in individuals with pulmonary ADC according to different survival outcomes.

Determination of the amplification and/or deletion of these particular genomic regions, and/or the biomarker expression profiles can be used to classify patients with ADC into a BAC group with excellent survival outcome, or an invasive AWBF group with higher risk of developing metastatic recurrence and poorer survival outcome. Use of this information allows physicians to engage in early and disease subtype specific treatment such as chemo-therapy for patients having non-BAC tumours.

File Number: 7020 

Web site: http://www.uhnresearch.ca/tdc/featured_technolo...

Disease: Cancer