BACKGROUND:  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women in the United States, with the most common type of lung cancer being non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, very little is known about the underlying development and progression of this cancer. The lack of knowledge about the mechanisms of development and progression of this cancer makes it additionally difficult to identify effective treatments. Recent evidence suggests that estrogen plays a role in NSCLC development and/or progression, perhaps analogous to its function in the progression of breast cancer.

INNOVATION:  UCLA researchers have identified that aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens, is expressed in NSCLC. Therefore, aromatase expression levels can be used as an early-stage predictive biomarker of NSCLC survival. Specifically, lower relative levels of aromatase predict a higher probability of survival in women with NSCLC who are 65 years and older. Within this population of women, the prognostic value of aromatase is greatest in early, stage I/II lung cancer. In addition, these results may suggest novel therapeutic approaches to treat NSCLC using clinically-approved aromatase inhibitors.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Clinical predictor of survival for women (age 65 and older) with early, stage I/II NSCLC

ADVANTAGES

• Low levels of aromatase expression predict survival in women (age 65 and older) with early stage lung cancer; Higher levels of aromatase predict a significantly increased probability of death due to disease.
• Aromatase expression level in NSCLC cells is a potential indictor for effective therapy.

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  Aromatase protein expression levels of 422 NSCLC patients (malignant and benign clinical samples) have been examined using a high-density tissue microarray. Lower aromatase levels in women with early stage lung cancer predicted a greater chance of survival. Higher levels of aromatase expression predict a much higher probability of death due to disease in a more aggressive timeframe. NCI and NIH have funded grants to support this research.

Related Papers (Selected)

• Mah V, Seligson DB, Li A, Marquez DC, Wistuba II, Elshimali Y, Fishbein MC, Chia D, Pietras RJ, Goodglick L. Aromatase Expression Predicts Survival in Women with Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Research. 67(21), 2007. [more]

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2006-726