Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Advances in preclinical small molecules for the treatment of NSCLC
Qiu Zhang1, Wei Feng, Hongyu Zhou
1Shandong University, Chemistry, 27 Shanda Nanlu, Jinan, 250100, China.
Background:
NSCLC accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases and is the leading cause of cancer mortality. Advances in the knowledge of molecular events governing oncogenesis have led to a number of novel therapeutic agents targeting specific pathways critical for tumor growth.
Objective:
To summarize the recent preclinical developments of small molecules for NSCLC therapy.
Methods:
This review primarily consists of patents and publications between 1997 and 2008.
Results/Conclusion:
Small molecules with known targets, such as inhibitors for EGFR, VEGF, RAS-RAF-MAP kinase pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway, histone deacetylase, protein phosphatase, topoisomerase, cyclin dependent kinases, heat-shock protein, tubulin, DNA and MET are reviewed. Other novel small molecules with potent efficacy without target information are also discussed.
Insights
This review covers small molecule therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It details preclinical developments targeting key pathways like EGFR and VEGF, offering insights into novel treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, representing 85% of cases and a leading cause of cancer mortality.
- Recent advances in understanding oncogenesis have spurred the development of targeted therapies for NSCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize preclinical developments of small molecule therapeutics for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on patents and publications.
- Timeframe for reviewed literature: 1997-2008.
Main Results:
- Reviewed small molecules targeting specific pathways, including EGFR, VEGF, RAS-RAF-MAP kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, histone deacetylase, protein phosphatase, topoisomerase, cyclin-dependent kinases, heat-shock protein, tubulin, DNA, and MET.
- Discussed novel small molecules with potent efficacy, even when specific targets were not yet identified.
Conclusions:
- Small molecule inhibitors targeting well-defined pathways represent a significant area of preclinical development for NSCLC.
- Emerging small molecules without identified targets also show promise for future NSCLC therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Preclinical Development: Overview
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Treatment Resistent Cancers
Treatment Resistant Cancers
