Background: So far no powerful molecular markers have been found allowing an early detection of lung cancer enabling a higher rate of curative cancer therapy. Based on its expression patterns in other malignant tumors the expression of the high mobility group protein gene HMGIC is a possible new candidate for such a diagnostic marker.
Materials and methods: The HMGIC expression patterns were determined in samples from 19 non-SCLC, 14 corresponding non-malignant adjacent lung, and 7 pleural tissues by hemi-nested RT-PCR followed by the detection of HMGIC specific amplification products by Southern blot hybridization.
Results: HMGIC expression was found in 14/19 non-SCLC samples. In contrast, expression was not detectable in any of the non-malignant adjacent lung or pleural tissues.
Conclusions: These results suggest that HMGIC expression may be a potential new and powerful indicator for lung cancer. An HMGIC expression assay may be applicable to sputum or broncho-alveolar lavage fluid samples facilitating early detection of lung cancer.