Extracellular matrix proteins as circulating biomarkers for the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of a dynamic network of macromolecules which assemble into three-dimensional structures functioning as ligands for cellular integrins or acting as a scaffold for soluble cytokines and growth factors (1). Whereas the role of ECM in the regulation of physiological tissue development and homeostasis has been already characterized, the study of the involvement of the ECM in cancer progression is a subject of growing interest.