Methods of assessing a risk of cancer progression

A method of classifying a subject as having an increased risk of having non-small cell lung cancer that is likely to metastasize to the brain of the subject, the method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a sample from the subject;
• isolating RNA from the sample;
• adding a first reagent capable of specific binding to a marker including a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO. 1 and SEQ ID NO. 2 to a mixture comprising the RNA;
• subjecting the mixture to conditions that allow detection of the binding of the first reagent to the marker;
• assessing an expression level of the marker in the sample by determining a level of binding of the first reagent to the marker in the sample;
• classifying the subject as having an increased risk of having non-small cell lung cancer that is likely to metastasize to the brain of the subject upon detection of an increased expression level of the marker in the sample;
• and
• treating the subject with the increased risk of having non-small cell lung cancer that is likely to metastasize to the brain with a prophylactic therapy.