Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scraping instrument for collection of a biological sample, and a non-invasive method for obtaining nucleic acid from buccal mucosa epithelial cells using the scraping instrument. Such nucleic acid can be used for example for gene expression profiling, including to assess lung disease risk associated with airway pollutants.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer using expression analysis of one or more groups of genes, and a combination of expression analysis with bronchoscopy. The methods of the invention provide far superior detection accuracy for lung cancer when compared to any other currently available method for lung cancer diagnostic or prognosis. The invention also provides methods of diagnosis and prognosis of other lung diseases, particularly in individuals who are exposed to air pollutants, such as cigarette or cigar smoke, smog, asbestos and the like air contaminants or pollutants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scraping instrument for collection of a biological sample, and a non-invasive method for obtaining nucleic acid from buccal mucosa epithelial cells using the scraping instrument. Such nucleic acid can be used for example for gene expression profiling, including to assess lung disease risk associated with airway pollutants.

Abstract: The invention provides the identification of oncogenic pathways activated in cytologically normal airway cells of individuals having or at risk of having lung disease, as well as specific gene expression patterns (biomarkers) associated with pathway activation. These biomarkers and pathways may provide prognostic and/or diagnostic indicators in lung disease, e.g., lung cancer. Additionally, these pathways and biomarkers may provide therapeutic targets for the treatment of lung disease, as well as markers for the assessment of treatment efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer using expression analysis of one or more groups of genes, and a combination of expression analysis from a nasal epithelial cell sample. The methods of the invention provide far less invasive method with a superior detection accuracy for lung cancer when compared to any other currently available method for lung cancer diagnostic or prognosis. The invention also provides methods of diagnosis and prognosis of other lung diseases, such as lung cancer.