[Molecular pathology of pulmonary carcinomas]

Cesk Patol. 2014 Apr;50(2):71-5.
[Article in Czech]

Abstract

The group of non-small cell lung carcinomas includes tumors that are variable at the clinical, histopathological and molecular levels. Advances in the understanding of molecular pathology of lung adenocarcinomas in particular has led to changes in their histopathological classification and treatment. Patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma harboring specific mutations benefit from the administration of specific targeted therapy. Therefore, pathologists closely involved in the diagnostics of lung tumors significantly contribute to the diagnostic-therapeutical algorithm. Analysis of EGFR gene mutations in lung adenocarcinomas is already routinely performed and the presence of activating mutations in EGFR is the main indication for the administration of tyrosinkinase inhibitors. Besides EGFR mutations, EML4-ALK rearrangement is also being analysed and there is potential in analysing BRAF mutations as well. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of the most relevant molecules that also serve as the therapeutic target for practicing pathologists.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics*
  • Adenocarcinoma of Lung
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / genetics*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf

Substances

  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • ErbB Receptors
  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf