| abstract |
Methods for detecting and diagnosing small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are described herein. In one embodiment, the diagnostic method comprises the step of determining the expression level of an SCLC-related gene that discriminates between SCLC cells and normal cells. In another embodiment, the diagnostic method comprises determining the expression level of a SCLC-related gene that distinguishes two major tissue types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and SCLC. Finally, the present invention provides a method for screening for therapeutic agents useful for the treatment of small cell lung cancer, a method for treating small cell lung cancer, and a method for vaccinating a subject against small cell lung cancer. Furthermore, the present invention provides a chemoresistant lung cancer-related gene or SCLC-related gene as a diagnostic marker for chemoresistant lung cancer and / or as a molecular target for therapeutic agents for these cancers. These genes are upregulated in chemotherapy-resistant lung cancer or SCLC. Therefore, chemotherapy-resistant lung cancer or SCLC can be predicted by using the expression level of these genes as a diagnostic marker. As a result, any adverse effects resulting from ineffective chemotherapy can be avoided and a more appropriate and effective treatment strategy can be selected. |