Targeted Therapies for Lung Cancer Patients With Oncogenic Driver Molecular Alterations

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) classification is shifting from histology to molecularly defined subsets.
• Advancements in understanding NSCLC biology have led to targeted therapies.
• The therapeutic landscape for NSCLC is increasingly complex due to molecularly targeted treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current standards of care for targeted therapies in NSCLC with driver molecular alterations.
• To discuss the expanding list of approved targeted therapies for various mutations.
• To explore future directions in precision oncology for NSCLC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current standards of care for targeted therapies in NSCLC.
• Synthesis of information on established and emerging targeted therapies.
• Discussion of diagnostic testing, treatment sequencing, and future research.

Main Results:

• Established targeted therapies exist for EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 alterations.
• An expanding list of approved therapies targets BRAF V600E, EGFR exon 20 insertion, KRAS G12C, MET exon 14, NTRK, and RET alterations.
• Emerging data show efficacy for targeted therapies against other drivers like HER2 exon 20 insertion mutations.

Conclusions:

• Precision oncology approaches are transforming NSCLC treatment.
• Diagnostic molecular testing is crucial for identifying actionable targets.
• Future research should focus on tumor evolution, therapeutic resistance, and early-stage disease applications.