Detection of Aberrant Promoter Hypermethylation of Some Tumor Suppressor Genes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Egyptian Patients

Abstract

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, with the highest incidence and mortality amongst all cancers. While the prognosis of lung cancer is generally grim, with 5-years survival rates of only 15%, there is hope, and evidence, that early detection of lung cancer can reduce mortality. Lung cancer can be classified into two major groups: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The latter group is further divided into subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Among these three, adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype and has a high mortality rate. The methylation of tumor suppressor genes has been investigated in all kinds of cancer. Identification of tumor specific epigenetic alterations can be used as a molecular marker of malignancy, which can lead to