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Updated: May 3, 2026
Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
New developments in the treatment of squamous cell lung cancer
1Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Purpose Of Review:
To highlight the recent developments in the molecular characterization of lung squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) and to summarize the current clinical trials of targeted agents.
Recent Findings:
Lung SQCC is the second-largest histological subtype of nonsmall-cell lung cancer after lung adenocarcinoma and is closely associated with tobacco smoking. Targeted therapies have been successfully used for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma but have not been implemented in the treatment of lung SQCC to date. Both lung adenocarcinomas and SQCCs are characterized by specific somatic DNA modifications such as exonic mutations, copy-number alterations, and genomic rearrangements which are substantially different between the two subtypes. Progress in genomic characterization using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies makes it possible to investigate these somatic DNA modifications at the whole-genome level and to generate comprehensive profiles of genetic alterations. Application of NGS in lung SQCC led to a more detailed understanding of the possible targets and will identify new targeted therapeutic approaches in the near future.
Summary:
In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of molecular targets, clinical trials of targeted agents, and druggable aberrations in lung SQCCs.
Insights
Lung squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) molecular characterization is advancing with next-generation sequencing (NGS). This progress is identifying new targeted therapies for SQCC, distinct from lung adenocarcinoma treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Lung squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) is a major non-small cell lung cancer subtype linked to smoking.
- Targeted therapies are effective in lung adenocarcinoma but not yet in SQCC.
- SQCC and lung adenocarcinoma have distinct genomic alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent molecular characterization of lung SQCC.
- To summarize clinical trials for targeted agents in SQCC.
Main Methods:
- Genomic characterization using next-generation sequencing (NGS).
- Analysis of somatic DNA modifications including mutations, copy-number alterations, and rearrangements.
- Review of current clinical trial data for targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- NGS provides comprehensive genetic profiles of SQCC.
- Distinct genomic alterations are identified between SQCC and lung adenocarcinoma.
- New potential therapeutic targets for SQCC are being uncovered.
Conclusions:
- Current knowledge of molecular targets in SQCC is expanding.
- Clinical trials are evaluating targeted agents for SQCC.
- Druggable aberrations in SQCC are being identified for future therapies.
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