Using a multiparameter approach, we prospectively identified, sorted and expanded mesenchymal cells from human primary NSCLC samples based on co-expression of CD73 and CD90 while lacking hematopoietic and endothelial lineage markers (CD45, CD31, CD14 and Gly-A) and the epithelial marker EpCAM. The gene discussed is PECAM1; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.