Biomarkers of Lung Cancer: Meta-analysis of Biomarkers Used to Identify Types of Lung Cancers Based on the Morphology and Histology

Abstract

Cancer of the lung is a malignant lung tumor with a wide range of histological variants. The tumor arises from different types of cells, such as bronchioles, epithelium, bronchial mucous glands, or the alveoli. How effective the treatment depends on the histological variant of the lung tumor. It is therefore necessary that the histology of cancer and the respective biomarkers be accurately identified. Detection of malignant cells is possible only when the clinician has an accurate knowledge of the origin and nature of these cells. It is pertinent to state that these malignant cells release certain biomarkers into the general circulation. Currently, screening for malignant tumors is done with various panels of biomarkers. To date, there is no one serum biomarker capable of identifying the various lung cancer types. As such, accurate diagnosis is done only with immunohistochemistry and histological analysis of tumor biopsies. This article discusses the different protein biomarkers employed in the diagnosis of lung cancer and recent advances in uniform biomarker discovery.