Original ContributionMethylation analysis of SHOX2 and RASSF1A in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for early lung cancer diagnosis

•The consist rates of the SHOX2 and RASSF1A methylation tested by RT-PCR and sequencing were 99.0% and 100%;•The methylation positive rate of SHOX2 and RASSF1A is significantly higher in the lung cancer group;•The DNA methylation substantially enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of the cytological examination.