Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
07:59

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

Published on: September 8, 2023

1.8K

Clinical Challenges to Current Molecularly Targeted Therapies in Lung Cancer

Gagan Chhabra1, Ashley Eggert1, Neelu Puri1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, Illinois, USA.

Archives in Cancer Research
|June 10, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Lung cancer treatment faces challenges with drug resistance. This review explores resistance mechanisms to targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), highlighting new TKI generations and combination therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lung cancer has a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of only 15%.
  • Molecularly targeted therapies offer initial efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but face challenges like induced resistance and limited responsive populations.
  • Key molecular targets include c-Met, EGFR, HER2, ALK, VEGFR, and BRAF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of resistance to current molecularly targeted therapies in NSCLC.
  • To discuss the development and potential of next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
  • To explore the role of combination therapies in overcoming TKI resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on targeted therapies for NSCLC.
  • Analysis of resistance mechanisms associated with specific molecular targets (c-Met, EGFR, HER2, ALK, VEGFR, BRAF).
  • Evaluation of emerging second and third-generation TKIs and combination treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • First-generation TKIs often lead to acquired resistance in NSCLC patients.
  • Second and third-generation TKIs demonstrate improved efficacy and potential to overcome resistance to earlier inhibitors.
  • Combination therapies show promise in preventing or managing TKI resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for improving NSCLC treatment outcomes.
  • Next-generation TKIs and combination strategies represent promising avenues for overcoming therapeutic resistance.
  • Further research into novel therapeutic approaches is essential for enhancing survival rates in NSCLC patients.
Keywords:
Molecularly targeted therapiesNSCLCResistanceTKI

More Related Videos

Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing05:17

Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing

Published on: October 10, 2025

500
Profiling Sensitivity to Targeted Therapies in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Patient-Derived Organoids08:52

Profiling Sensitivity to Targeted Therapies in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Patient-Derived Organoids

Published on: November 22, 2021

4.7K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.1K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

1.7K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
6.3K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
10.6K
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase01:11

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
65