Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
Targeted agents in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): clinical developments and rationale for the combination with
Pek Keng Koh1, Corinne Faivre-Finn, Fiona H Blackhall
1Department of Clinical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. Pekkoh@nhs.net
Abstract:
In recent years there has been undoubted progress in the evaluation and development of targeted agents for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A major contributor has been the discovery of molecular subtypes harbouring a critical oncogenic driver mutation, specifically sensitizing mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene and the EML4-ALK gene translocation. Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of therapy for the curative intent treatment of early stage, localized disease; and for the palliation of symptoms in advanced, metastatic disease. In this molecular targeted era there is limited understanding of how best to combine targeted agents with radiotherapy and in general clinical studies with radiotherapy have lagged behind studies of targeted agents with chemotherapy. Here we summarise the progress made to date and highlight future directions.
Insights
Targeted therapies show promise for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by targeting specific mutations like EGFR and ALK. Combining these agents with radiotherapy requires further research for optimal treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Recent advancements in targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been driven by the identification of key molecular drivers.
- Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene and EML4-ALK gene translocations are critical oncogenic drivers in NSCLC.
- Radiotherapy remains a fundamental treatment modality for both early-stage curative intent and advanced-stage palliative care in NSCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current progress in combining targeted agents with radiotherapy for NSCLC.
- To identify knowledge gaps and future research directions in this therapeutic area.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical studies and research on targeted agents and radiotherapy in NSCLC.
- Analysis of the current understanding of molecular subtypes and their implications for combined treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in developing targeted agents for NSCLC based on molecular subtypes.
- Clinical studies combining targeted agents with radiotherapy have lagged behind those combining them with chemotherapy.
- There is a limited understanding of the optimal integration of targeted therapies and radiotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Further research is crucial to elucidate the best strategies for combining targeted agents with radiotherapy in NSCLC.
- Future clinical studies should prioritize the investigation of combined modality treatments to improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:49Cancer 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...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy