Biomarker for lung cancer in people who smoke has been identified

A new study conducted by Mayo Clinic researchers has identified a protein pair that might be prognostic biomarker for identifying lung cancer in smokers. The protein is linked to increased expression of cancer causing RET gene. This protein ASCL1 can control development of neuroendocrine cell development and is associated with thyroid as well as small cell lung cancer. The research results, shows that ASCL1 patients with low levels of RET survived longer than those with higher RET levels. "This is exciting because we've found what we believe to be a 'drugable target' here," says George Vasmatzis, Ph.D., senior author on the study. "It's a clear biomarker for aggressive adenocarcinomas. These are the fast-growing cancer cells found in smokers' lungs." The researchers blocked the ASCL1 protein which decreased RET levels and slowed down tumor growth. The researchers are hopeful that drugs could be now developed to target this mechanism.