A genetic abnormality that appears to play a role in many common cancers has been solidly linked to lung cancer, raising hopes of improved diagnosis and treatment, scientists say. Researchers examining lung cancer tumors discovered a series of abnormalities in the so-called p53 anti-cancer gene, according to a report by Dr. John Minna of the National Cancer Institute-Navy Medical Oncology Branch in Bethesda, Md.
Defects in the gene have also been linked to colon cancer, an uncommon bone cancer called osteogenic sarcoma and chronic myelogenous leukemia, Minna said.
