A collaborative group of scientists have determined that mutations in the gene LKB1, which often results to Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a condition characterized by intestinal growths and an increased risk for certain cancers, do play a role the development of non-small cell lung cancer in mice.

"The LKB1-deficient tumors grew more rapidly and spread more frequently than the others, and comprised all three types of non-small cell lung cancer - squamous cell carcinoma, large-cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma - rather than just one or two," Wong says. "This suggests that LKB1 plays a role at major stages of the tumors' development: initiation, differentiation of normal lung cells into cancer cells, and metastasis."

An examination of human non-small-cell lung tissue suggests LKB1 mutations play a role there as well. Of 144 samples analyzed, 34 percent of the lung adenocarcinomas and 19 percent of the squamous cell carcinomas contained abnormal versions of the gene, researchers report.

If a similar mechanism is identified in human lung cancer cells, authors say it could influence the way non-small cell lung cancer is diagnosed and treated. The study will be published in Nature on Aug. 5.

Source: Science Daily