Longmerkerstudie

Following current Dutch guidelines, lung cancer is diagnosed using chest X-ray, CT-scan or PET-CT and based on cytology or histology of tumor cells. Recent studies show that tumor markers can have added value in diagnosing lung cancer and in differentiating between small and non-small cell carcinoma (SCLC and NSCLC). In addition, tumor markers may have a place in following the effect of therapy. Differentiating NSCLC from SCLC with current diagnostics can be time-consuming and difficult while this differentiation is important for prognosis and choice of therapy. Aims of this study are to investigate, in a prospective Dutch multi-center study, whether molecular and protein tumor markers have clinical value in diagnosing, differentiation and treatment of lung cancer and in monitoring response to therapy.

The hypothesis investigated is that a correct diagnosis (including subclassification of the tumor) and prognosis can be made more rapidly and that monitoring tumor development in response to therapy is more precise when adding tumor markers to the follow up. The data gathered in the study is used to program decision support and predictive algorithms.

- All patients: before diagnosis of the disease - Subset of the patients for follow-up: 1. During the diagnostic phase, before initiation of the treatment 2. 2-3 weeks after blood sample 1 3. 2-3 weeks after blood sample 2 4. 4-6 weeks after blood sample 3 5. 2-3 months after blood sample 4 6. 2-3 months after blood sample 5 7. 2-3 months after blood sample 6

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