Fluorescence Bronchoscopy and Molecular Characterization of Abnormal Bronchial Lesions: Novel Approaches for Early Detection of Lung Cancer in High Risk Patients
Despite intensive research efforts, there are still no simple and effective screening tools
to detect early lung cancer. The majority of newly diagnosed patients have higher stage,
often disseminated, non-resectable disease. A better understanding of the natural biology
and molecular abnormalities in early lung lesions may aid in the development of more
effective screening tools. The Lung Imaging Fluorescence Endoscopy (LIFE) is FDA approved
as an adjunct to WL bronchoscopy for the screening of lung cancer.
Using the LIFE unit, this study will set the stage for the collection of a unique set of
biopsy specimens that will be used to learn more about the natural biology and molecular
changes in early lung lesions. We will study abnormalities in p53 by immunohistochemistry
and by molecular analyses. The p53 results will be compared with histological grade and
with genomic instability. Measures for genomic instability will be the loss of chromosomal
information and cellular aneuploidy. Recent advances in molecular pathology, such as the
development of Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM), have made the molecular profiling of
these extremely small lesions feasible. The information obtained by these techniques will
be used for comparison with clinical and exposure information. Future plans include the
culturing of bronchial epithelial cells to study genomic instability in the multistep
process of cancer progression. It is our hope that the application of these new
technologies will improve the early detection of human lung cancer and provide insight into
the natural biology and molecular changes of early lung lesions which may progress towards
overt cancers.
Observational
N/A
Jack Taylor, M.D.
Principal Investigator
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
United States: Federal Government
9999999040
NCT00512642
July 1999
Name | Location |
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NIEHS, Research Triangle Park | Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 |