Objective methods for detecting and diagnosing
small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are described herein. In one embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining the expression level of an SCLC-associated
gene that discriminates between SCLC cells and normal cells. In another embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining the expression level of an SCLC-associated
gene that distinguishes two major histological types of
lung cancer, non-
small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and SCLC. Finally, the present invention provides methods of screening for therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of
small cell lung cancer, methods of treating small
cell lung cancer and method for vaccinating a subject against small
cell lung cancer. Furthermore, the present invention provides
chemotherapy resistant lung cancer- or SCLC-associated genes as diagnostic markers and / or
molecular targets for therapeutic agent for these cancers. These genes are up-regulated in chemoresistant lung cancer or SCLC. Accordingly, chemoresistant lung cancer or SCLC can be predicted using expression level of the genes as diagnostic markers. As the result, any adverse effects caused by ineffective
chemotherapy can be avoided, and more suitable and effective
therapeutic strategy can be selected.