Silencing of genes by aberrant promoter hypermethylation is now recognized as a crucial component in cancer initiation and progression. Highly sensitive assays have been developed to assess gene-promoter methylation in biological fluids. The detection of methylated genes in sputum could lead to the development of a screening test to non-invasively identify early cancer in high-risk people.

Gene-promoter hypermethylation as a biomarker in lung cancer.

Objective: To determine the incidence of second primary cancers developing in patients surviving free of cancer for 2 or more years after treatment for small-cell lung cancer and to assess the pote...

Smoking cessation after successful treatment of small-cell lung cancer is associated with fewer smoking-related second primary cancers.

Second primary lung cancer

Survival related to lymph node involvement in lung cancer after sleeve lobectomy compared with pneumonectomy.

With improvements in locoregional control, the problem of second primary malignancies is rapidly being pushed to the forefront of head and neck oncology. While the constant long-term risk for the head and neck cancer patient has been well established, efforts at prevention, early detection, and treatment have been somewhat futile. Recent advances in genetic predisposition, biomarkers, photodiagnostic imaging, and differentiation therapy may soon offer improved outcomes. The literature is reviewed and current research is presented regarding the history, epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of second primary malignancies.

Thomas W. Shields

Papers

Long-term survivors after resection of lung carcinoma.