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Targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer: current standards and the promise of the future

Bryan A Chan1, Brett G M Hughes1

  • 11 Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia ; 2 School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia ; 3 The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia.

Translational Lung Cancer Research
|March 26, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) management now requires sub-classification by driver mutations. Targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), are improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Translational Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) management has shifted towards personalized medicine.
  • Sub-classification by histology and driver mutations is now crucial for effective treatment.
  • Traditional chemotherapy remains a standard for NSCLC without known driver mutations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review major oncogenic driver subtypes in NSCLC.
  • To examine the development of targeted agents for NSCLC treatment.
  • To discuss current and future therapeutic strategies for NSCLC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advancements in NSCLC management.
  • Analysis of translational research on targeted therapies.
  • Examination of targeted agents like monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI).

Main Results:

  • Targeted therapies significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life in NSCLC.
  • Identification of specific driver mutations allows for tailored treatment approaches.
  • A growing arsenal of targeted agents is becoming available for NSCLC.

Conclusions:

  • Personalized medicine, driven by molecular sub-classification, is revolutionizing NSCLC treatment.
  • Targeted therapies offer a promising alternative and adjunct to traditional chemotherapy.
  • Continued research into oncogenic drivers and targeted agents will further enhance NSCLC management.
Keywords:
Non-small cell lung carcinomaanaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)targeted therapy

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