smokers lung

A gene that could explain why some non-smokers develop lung cancer has been pinpointed by US researchers.

(Ohio State University Medical Center) A study led by Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Cancer Institute researchers suggests that a molecule called miR-21 is important in the development of lung cancer in never-smokers and in smokers.

Lung tumors from never-smokers with mutations in a gene called EGFR had particularly high levels of the molecule.

The findings may lead to improve targeted therapy for lung cancer, including tumors resistant to targeted drugs such as gefitinib.