Neuronal characteristics of small-cell lung cancer: Minireview

Wide ranging experimental evidence suggests that human small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a number of molecular and subcellular characteristics normally associated with neurones. This review outlines and discusses these characteristics in the light of recent developments in the field. Emphasis is pla...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of cancer 2005-11, Vol.93 (11), p.1197-1201
Main Authors: Onganer, P U, Seckl, M J, Djamgoz, M B A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biomedicine
Cancer Research
Drug Resistance
Epidemiology
mini-review
Molecular Medicine
Oncology
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Wide ranging experimental evidence suggests that human small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a number of molecular and subcellular characteristics normally associated with neurones. This review outlines and discusses these characteristics in the light of recent developments in the field. Emphasis is placed upon neuronal cell adhesion molecules, neurone-restrictive silencer factor, neurotransmitters/peptides and voltage-gated ion, especially Na + channels. The hypothesis is put forward that acquisition of such characteristics and the membrane ‘excitability’ that would follow can accelerate metastatic progression. The clinical potential of the neuronal characteristics of SCLC, in particular ion channel expression/activity, is discussed in relation to possible novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
ISSN:0007-0920
1532-1827
DOI:10.1038/sj.bjc.6602857