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Personalized Combined Modality Therapy for Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

D Nathan Kim1, Taek-Keun Nam, Kevin S Choe

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.

Cancer Research and Treatment
|July 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Individualized treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is now possible through molecular tumor profiling. This review covers key molecular targets and pathways to guide future clinical trials for NSCLC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Translational Medicine

Background:

  • Locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents significant heterogeneity.
  • Recent advancements enable personalized therapeutic strategies based on tumor molecular characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review landmark studies on molecular characterization in NSCLC.
  • To discuss promising molecular pathways and potential therapeutic targets/agents.
  • To guide the development of rationally designed clinical trials for locally advanced NSCLC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of landmark studies in NSCLC molecular characterization.
  • Analysis of promising molecular pathways and therapeutic targets.
  • Synthesis of information to inform clinical trial design.

Main Results:

  • Molecular profiling is crucial for individualized NSCLC treatment.
  • Several molecular pathways and targets show therapeutic potential.
  • Integration of molecular strategies with standard chemotherapy and radiation is key.

Conclusions:

  • Personalized medicine based on molecular profiling is transforming NSCLC treatment.
  • Further research into molecular targets will optimize therapeutic strategies.
  • Rational clinical trial design is essential for incorporating novel molecular approaches into standard care for locally advanced NSCLC.
Keywords:
Combined modality therapyEpidermal growth factor receptorIndividualized medicineLung neoplasmsTyrosine kinase inhibitor

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