Roles of epidemiology, pathology, molecular biology, and biomarkers in the investigation of occupational lung cancer.

Abstract

The pathology and molecular biology of lung cancer demonstrate that these tumors evolve through a series of mutations, molecular changes, and corresponding morphologic changes. To elucidate how occupational and environmental factors influence lung cancer histogenesis it is important not only to understand epidemiology and the interactions between etiologic agents but also to integrate information from pathology, biochemistry and molecular biology. This review focuses on the range of techniques currently available for characterizing lung cancer and how their prudent use can be beneficial in the identification of occupational carcinogens. Because many occupational and environmental lung cancers are caused by multiple etiologic agents, the integration of histology with cellular, biochemical and molecular biomarker techniques may provide new approaches for understanding the disease process.

• Authors: V Vallyathan, F Green, B Ducatman, P Schulte
• Journal: Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part B, Critical reviews (J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev) 1998 Apr-Jun Vol. 1 Issue 2 Pg. 91-116 ISSN: 1093-7404 [Print] England
• PMID: 9650532 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers

Topics

• Biomarkers
• Epidemiologic Studies
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (epidemiology, etiology, physiopathology)
• Molecular Biology
• Occupational Exposure
• Risk Assessment
• Smoking (adverse effects)