Copy Number Abnormalities and Gene Fusions in Lung Cancer

A better understanding of the impact of gene amplification and gene fusion in lung cancer has resulted from studies focusing on genomic and chromosomal factors and mechanisms causally related to lung cancer, mainly to non-small cell lung cancer. Identification of these genetic abnormalities has been one of the major advances in our understanding of pathogenesis of the lung cancer. Using molecular cytogenetic technologies, lung cancer molecular profile can be effectively used for diagnosis, prognosis, and selection for targeted therapy. Importantly, the identification of driver genes and essential signaling pathways for lung oncogenesis has been supporting the discovery and development of novel targeted therapy agents. These are causing rapid, dramatic, and stable tumor shrinkage in many patients. However, molecular drivers have been detected more commonly in lung adenocarcinomas than in squamous cell carcinomas. Very little is known regarding markers for therapy in small cell lung cancer.