Role of molecular studies in the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma

Molecular alterations in adenocarcinoma of the lung have resulted in new therapeutic options for treatment of high-stage disease. Such changes are usually mutually exclusive and can be documented in small specimen samples. Most analyses are DNA-based, utilizing sequencing or fluorescence in situ hybridization to observe amplifications or translocations. Particular success in theranostics has focused on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (ALK), and BRAF gene changes, each allowing personalized therapies. Interestingly, these molecular changes have correlated with distinct, although not unique, demographics, histopathologies, and response to pharmacological agents.