A hallmark of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is the expression of autocrine growth factors such as neurotensin and gastrin-releasing peptide, which bind to cellular receptors and stimulate cell division.
Although the biomarkers L-Dopa decarboxylase, bombesin, carcinoembryonic antigen, and neurotensin were detectable in SCLC-22H, they were undetectable or low in SCLC-21H.