ObjectiveTo evaluate the detection of telomerase activity insputum cells, bronchoscopic brush-off cells and bioptic tissues for diagnosis of lung cancer. Methods Telomerase activity in fresh sputum cells, bronchoscopic brush-off cells and bioptic tissues from 46 patients with pul monary diseases were examined by TRAP-silver assay. Results Positive rates of telomerase activity in sputum cells, bronchoscopic brush-off cells and bioptic tissues from 32 lung cancer patients were 53.1%, 87.5% and 90.6% respectively, significantly higher th...