Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Targeting molecular alterations in non-small-cell lung cancer: what's next?
Rafael López-Castro1, Tania García-Peña1, Xabier Mielgo-Rubio2
1Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, 47003, Spain.
Abstract:
In recent years, major advances have been achieved in our understanding of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with oncogenic driver alterations and in the specific treatment of these with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Currently, state-of-the-art management of patients with NSCLC (particularly adenocarcinoma or non-adenocarcinoma but with mild tobacco exposure) consists of the determination of EGFR, ALK, ROS1 and BRAF status, as they have US FDA and EMA approved targeted therapies. The increase in molecular knowledge of NSCLC and the development of drugs against other targets has settled new therapeutic indications. In this review we have incorporated the development around MET, KRAS and NTRK in the diagnosis of NSCLC given the therapeutic potential that they represent, as well as the drugs approved for these indications.
Insights
Recent advances in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) involve targeted therapies for driver alterations like EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF. This review covers new developments in MET, KRAS, and NTRK targets for NSCLC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Significant progress in understanding non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) driven by specific genetic alterations.
- Development of targeted therapies, particularly tyrosine kinase inhibitors, has transformed NSCLC treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of molecularly targeted therapies for NSCLC.
- To incorporate recent developments in MET, KRAS, and NTRK alterations and their targeted therapies in NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advances in NSCLC molecular profiling and targeted therapies.
- Focus on US FDA and EMA approved targeted therapies for specific driver mutations.
Main Results:
- Standard NSCLC care includes testing for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF mutations.
- Emerging therapeutic targets in NSCLC include MET, KRAS, and NTRK, with approved drugs available.
Conclusions:
- Personalized medicine approaches are crucial for NSCLC management.
- Continued research into novel targets and therapies is expanding treatment options for NSCLC patients.
