Gender-related disparities in non-small cell lung cancer.
Epidemiological studies clearly outline some disparities in cancer onset, progression as well as prognosis and therapeutic response between sexes. In particular, in lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death, at least in Western countries, a gender disparity appears now to emerge, especially for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Such a disparity is apparently due to a variety of mechanisms, ranging from genetic and epigenetic differences to gender-specific lifestyle as well as to behavioral causes and, clearly, to sex hormones activity. Here we briefly recapitulate gender differences in terms of risk factors, histopathological features and pathogenetic mechanisms in NSCLC, and hypothesize that a gender-oriented pharmacology could beneficially impact on innovative therapeutic strategies.
Paggi
Marco G
MG
Department of Development of Therapeutic Programs, National Cancer Institute "Regina Elena", Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy.
Vona
Rosa
R
Abbruzzese
Claudia
C
Malorni
Walter
W
D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012737:Sex Factors