Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
Best practice in the treatment of advanced squamous cell lung cancer
Yvonne L E Ang1, Hon-Lyn Tan1, Ross A Soo2
1Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore.
Abstract:
The management of advanced stage nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been altered by the recognition of histology-based treatment and the use of targeted therapy. Whilst outcomes have improved with adenocarcinoma, treatment options are still limited in advanced stage squamous cell lung cancer. With advances in the molecular characterization of squamous cell cancers (SCCs), new potential targets have been identified. In this review, we discuss the role of histology in the treatment of NSCLC, cytotoxic chemotherapy, existing targeted therapies, the new molecular subsets and novel inhibitors in squamous cell lung carcinoma, and the emerging role of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Based on the results of two recent studies, nivolumab, a programmed death 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the treatment of squamous cell NSCLC in the second-line setting. Well-designed biomarker driven studies are needed to accelerate the development and approval of novel therapies for patients with lung SCC.
Insights
Treatment for advanced squamous cell lung cancer is improving with new targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab (PD-1). Further biomarker studies are crucial for developing novel treatments for lung SCC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) management is evolving with histology-specific treatments and targeted therapies.
- While adenocarcinoma outcomes have improved, squamous cell lung cancer (SCC) treatment options remain limited.
- Molecular characterization of SCCs is identifying new therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of histology in NSCLC treatment.
- To discuss current and emerging therapies for squamous cell lung carcinoma, including targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- To highlight the need for biomarker-driven studies in lung SCC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of NSCLC treatment strategies.
- Analysis of recent studies on targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- Discussion of molecular subsets and novel inhibitors in SCC.
Main Results:
- Nivolumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, is approved for second-line treatment of squamous cell NSCLC.
- Advances in molecular characterization are revealing new targets for SCC.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent an emerging treatment modality.
Conclusions:
- Histology plays a critical role in NSCLC treatment decisions.
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapies show promise for advanced squamous cell lung cancer.
- Biomarker-driven studies are essential to expedite the development of novel therapies for lung SCC patients.
