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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: September 8, 2023

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Targeted Therapies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer-Beyond EGFR and ALK

Sacha I Rothschild1

  • 1Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland. sacha.rothschild@usb.ch.

Cancers
|May 29, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Personalized medicine revolutionizes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment by targeting specific molecular aberrations. This review highlights novel targets and therapies, addressing challenges like acquired resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment has shifted towards personalized medicine.
  • Understanding NSCLC molecular subtypes reveals oncogenic driver mutations crucial for malignant progression.
  • EGFR mutations and ALK translocations are key targets for effective therapies in NSCLC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent data on novel molecular targets in NSCLC.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies for targeting these aberrations.
  • To address the challenge of acquired resistance to targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advancements in NSCLC molecular targeted therapy.
  • Focus on novel molecular targets beyond EGFR and ALK.
  • Discussion of acquired resistance mechanisms and strategies.

Main Results:

  • EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements are successfully targeted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
  • Emerging targets include ROS1, BRAF, KRAS, HER2, c-MET, RET, PIK3CA, FGFR1, and DDR2.
  • Acquired resistance to targeted therapies presents a significant clinical challenge.

Conclusions:

  • Personalized therapy based on molecular aberrations is transforming NSCLC treatment.
  • Continuous discovery of novel targets and development of targeted agents are crucial.
  • Overcoming acquired resistance is essential for improving long-term patient outcomes.
Keywords:
BRAFDDR2FGFR1HER2RETROS1c-METlung canceroncogenetargeted cancer therapy

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