Perspective on the development of new agents in thoracic cancers

The development of several targeted agents that play a critical role in the growth and survival of carcinomas has paved the way for a new era in the treatment of patients with thoracic malignancies. The novel antimetabolite pemetrexed has emerged as a key agent in the treatment of advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are one of many promising targeted therapies for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). By utilizing agents that specifically target the biochemical and molecular changes underlying cancer, it is possible to envision a future in which combinations of therapies treat cancer on multiple fronts, significantly enhancing tumor responses and improving survival beyond current expectations.