Molecular genetic analysis of primary lung cancer and cancer metastatic to the lung

The lung is a very common site for primary cancer and metastatic disease. Advances in tumor biology have provided insight into the sequence of genetic alterations leading to tumor and metastasis formation in the lung. In this review we address two genetic alterations, the dominant ras oncogene and the p53 tumor suppressor gene, which are commonly found in lung cancer and pulmonary metastases. We discuss their specific roles in tumor development, invasion, metastasis formation, and their potential prognostic utility. In addition, we will discuss the concept of a novel modulator gene, ribonucleotide reductase, and review its role in the control of metastasis formation.