Genetic alterations in Rb2/p130 gene have been reported in several tumors, but till now there are insufficient and conflicting data linking the loss of pRb2/p130 expression with the mutational status of this gene in lung cancer.
Previous data demonstrated an independent role for the reduction or loss of pRb2/p130 expression in the formation and/or progression of lung carcinoma.
Recent immunohistochemical studies of the retinoblastoma family of proteins in 235 specimens of lung cancer show the tightest inverse association between the histological grading in the most aggressive tumor types and pRb2/p130.
A scope for this review is to examine some of the gene delivery systems mostly used, discussing their weaknesses and strengths, and to discuss the role of pRb2/p130 in lung cancer.