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Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
[Advances of molecular subtype and targeted therapy of lung cancer]
Lan Shao1, Zhengbo Song, Yiping Zhang
1Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310022, China.
Abstract:
The discovery of multiple molecular mechanisms underlying the development, progression, and prognosis of lung cancer, has created new opportunities for targeted therapy. Each subtype is associated with molecular tests that define the subtype and drugs that may have potential therapeutic effect on lung cancer. In 2004, mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR) gene were discovered in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), especially in adenocarcinomas. And they are strongly associated with sensitivity to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Moreover, in 2007 the existence of the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) fusion gene was discovered in NSCLC, and the same as EGFR-TKIs, ALK inhibitors are being found to be highly effective in lung cancers. At present, multiple molecular subtype of lung cancer and relevant targeted drugs are undering study. Here, we review the remarkable progress in molecular subtype of lung cancer and the related targeted therapy.
Insights
Lung cancer targeted therapy advances with molecular subtypes. Discoveries in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) fuel new drug development for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lung cancer development, progression, and prognosis are linked to diverse molecular mechanisms.
- Specific molecular tests identify lung cancer subtypes, guiding potential targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in understanding lung cancer molecular subtypes.
- To highlight the development and efficacy of targeted therapies for lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of key molecular discoveries in lung cancer.
- Analysis of targeted therapies based on identified molecular subtypes.
Main Results:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations discovered in 2004 are associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) sensitivity to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs).
- Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) fusion gene discovered in 2007 shows high efficacy with ALK inhibitors in NSCLC.
- Ongoing research explores multiple lung cancer molecular subtypes and related targeted drugs.
Conclusions:
- Molecular subtyping has revolutionized lung cancer treatment strategies.
- Targeted therapies, such as EGFR-TKIs and ALK inhibitors, demonstrate significant efficacy in specific NSCLC molecular subtypes.
- Continued research into molecular subtypes and targeted drugs promises improved lung cancer prognosis.
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