1. ¹Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
2. ²Cancer Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK

Correspondence: Professor MBA Djamgoz, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK. E-mail: m.djamgoz@imperial.ac.uk

Received 29 July 2005; Revised 6 September 2005; Accepted 6 September 2005; Published online 1 November 2005.

Abstract

Wide ranging experimental evidence suggests that human small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a number of molecular and subcellular characteristics normally associated with neurones. This review outlines and discusses these characteristics in the light of recent developments in the field. Emphasis is placed upon neuronal cell adhesion molecules, neurone-restrictive silencer factor, neurotransmitters/peptides and voltage-gated ion, especially Na⁺ channels. The hypothesis is put forward that acquisition of such characteristics and the membrane 'excitability' that would follow can accelerate metastatic progression. The clinical potential of the neuronal characteristics of SCLC, in particular ion channel expression/activity, is discussed in relation to possible novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.