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Customizing chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: the promise is still unmet

John Souglakos1

  • 1Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete 71110, Greece.

Translational Lung Cancer Research
|December 3, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Biomarker-driven trials for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) did not outperform standard chemotherapy. Future research should explore new strategies to personalize NSCLC treatment effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is standard for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Molecular analysis of tumors may enable personalized treatment strategies.
  • Retrospective studies suggested chemotherapy customization based on tumor molecular-genetic profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate biomarker-driven clinical trials in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • To investigate the efficacy of personalized chemotherapy approaches compared to standard treatment.
  • To analyze reasons for trial outcomes and propose future directions for personalized NSCLC therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a randomized, phase III, biomarker-driven trial (SLCG/FLCG) and a randomized phase II trial in China.
  • Compared outcomes of biomarker-guided treatment with standard chemotherapy approaches.
  • Analyzed molecular-genetic data from tumor cells.

Main Results:

  • Biomarker-driven trials did not demonstrate superiority over the standard treatment approach for NSCLC.
  • Recent trial results, published in Annals of Oncology, favored the standard approach.
  • Preclinical data and retrospective analyses suggested potential benefits of personalized therapy.

Conclusions:

  • The vision of customizing NSCLC treatment based on molecular analysis remains relevant despite recent trial outcomes.
  • Disappointing results may stem from trial design or specific biomarkers investigated.
  • Future trials need to incorporate refined strategies to realize the potential of personalized medicine in NSCLC.
Keywords:
Customized chemotherapynon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)predictive markers

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