Biological, molecular, and clinical markers for the diagnosis and typing of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer as well as the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Approximately 90% of patients eventually die from their disease [1]. Newer forms of therapy are therefore needed. In addition, improvements in our current diagnostic, staging, and typing methodologies would be of benefit. Lung cancer presents a pradoxical situation for the biologist and clinician. While numerous excellent biological and molecular markers are available for tumor tissue diagnosis, typing, and progression, few, if any, have successfully weathered the perilous journey from laboratory to bedside. In this chapter we will discuss the reasons for this paradox, and critically assess the more promising of the many markers clinicians have attempted to use in the management of this disease.