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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing
Published on: October 10, 2025
A systematic review of targeted agents for non-small cell lung cancer
Hannah H Vestergaard1, Marcus R Christensen1, Ulrik N Lassen2
1a School of Medicine and Health , Aalborg University , Aalborg , Denmark.
Background:
advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized by having limited treatment options and thus a poor prognosis. However, new treatment options, in the form of targeted agents (TA), have emerged during recent years. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the accessible literature in PubMed evaluating TA used on NSCLC patients, and the resulting survival outcomes.
Method:
this systematic literature review was conducted by reviewing all relevant literature in PubMed. Six separate searches were performed: Three searches where controlled entry terms were used and three free text searches. Furthermore, other relevant publications were included manually. A total of seventy-two studies met the search criteria and were thus further analyzed and evaluated.
Results:
In the included studies, various TAs and their effect on different molecular targets have been evaluated. Clinical responses vary considerably among the different genetic aberrations. The majority of studies evaluated TA for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and TA for echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) rearrangements. Studies regarding the use of TA for Rat sarcoma (RAS), rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF), ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1) rearrangement, Receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (ERBB2), Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3CA)/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog; protein kinase B(AKT)/Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10(PTEN), The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and Mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) were included as well. In general, studies comparing treatment outcomes in EGFR-mutated patients and EML4-ALK (ALK) rearranged patients after use of either TA or standard chemotherapy, present significant better results after TA.
Conclusions:
This systematic review provides an overview of available literature in PubMed regarding NSCLC and TA. Included studies point toward that TA appears to be a promising therapeutic tool in treating NSCLC patients and use of TA is expected to result in improved treatment outcomes.
Insights
Targeted agents (TA) show promise for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Studies indicate TA improve survival outcomes compared to chemotherapy, especially for EGFR and ALK-mutated NSCLC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis.
- Emerging targeted agents (TA) offer new treatment avenues for NSCLC.
- This review synthesizes literature on TA efficacy in NSCLC patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review PubMed literature on targeted agents (TA) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- To evaluate the survival outcomes associated with TA treatment in NSCLC patients.
- To provide an overview of current research on TA in NSCLC therapy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of PubMed database.
- Conducted six searches using controlled entry terms and free text.
- Included seventy-two studies meeting predefined search criteria for analysis.
Main Results:
- Evaluated various TA targeting different molecular aberrations in NSCLC.
- Observed variable clinical responses based on genetic mutations.
- TA demonstrated significantly better outcomes than standard chemotherapy in EGFR-mutated and ALK-rearranged NSCLC.
Conclusions:
- Targeted agents (TA) represent a promising therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
- TA are expected to improve treatment outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
- This review highlights the growing evidence supporting TA in NSCLC management.
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