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Updated: Aug 11, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Recent Developments and Challenges in Molecular-Targeted Therapy of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Suman Rohilla1, Mahaveer Singh2, Sami I Alzarea3
1SGT College of Pharmacy, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, 122505, India.
Abstract:
Treatment of lung cancer with conventional therapies, which include radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy results in multiple undesirable adverse or side effects. The major clinical challenge in developing new drug therapies for lung cancer is resistance, which involves mutations and disturbance in various signaling pathways. Molecular abnormalities related to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (B-RAF) Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) mutations, translocation of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) amplification have been studied to overcome the resistance and to develop new therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). But, inevitable development of resistance presents limits the clinical benefits of various new drugs. Here, we review current progress in the development of molecularly targeted therapies, concerning six clinical biomarkers: EGFR, ALK, MET, ROS-1, KRAS, and B-RAF for NSCLC treatment.
Insights
Conventional lung cancer treatments cause side effects. Targeted therapies focusing on biomarkers like EGFR, ALK, MET, ROS-1, KRAS, and B-RAF offer new options for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but face resistance challenges.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Conventional lung cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery cause significant adverse effects.
- Drug resistance, driven by mutations and signaling pathway disruptions, is a major hurdle in developing effective lung cancer therapies.
- Molecular abnormalities in genes such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (B-RAF), Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) are key targets.
Conclusions:
- Molecularly targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in NSCLC treatment, offering personalized approaches.
- Addressing and overcoming treatment resistance is paramount to maximizing the clinical benefits of targeted therapies.
- Continued research into biomarkers and resistance mechanisms is essential for the future of lung cancer therapy.
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