Neuroendocrine phenotype of small cell lung cancer.

In conclusion, we have identified several neuroendocrine markers of SCLC and it is likely that for a successful screening program a small panel would need to be employed. From our studies AVP, CCK-BR, and GRP would be the most appropriate of the classical markers, while certain transcription factors such as sNRSF will also prove useful. Although SCLC may not originate from neuroendocrine cells, these genes appear to be expressed early in disease. The application of neuroendocrine markers for screening clinical samples is discussed in detail in Chapter 20 of the companion to this volume: Detection of small cell lung cancer by RT-PCR for neuropeptides, neuropeptide receptors, or a splice variant of the neuron restrictive silencer factor, Coulson, J. M., et al.