Detection of Oncogene Mutations in Sputum Precedes Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

摘要: The Johns Hopkins Lung Project developed an archive of sputum specimens during a randomized trial lung cancer screening (1974-1982). We identified 15 patients from that who later adenocarcinoma the lung. primary carcinomas 10 these contained either ras or p53 gene mutation. Using polymerase chain reaction-based assay, stored samples obtained prior to clinical diagnosis were examined for presence same oncogene mutations. In 8 patients, identical mutation in tumor was also detected at least one sample. earliest detection clonal population cells sample more than 1 year diagnosis. These results provide basis novel approach based on evolving molecular genetics this disease.