Emerging Targeted Therapies in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Syeda A Mina1, Mohamed Shanshal2, Konstantinos Leventakos2

  • 1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Cancers
|February 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This review covers new KRAS-directed therapies and standard treatments for EGFR- and ALK-altered non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It also explores emerging targets like MET, HER2, RET, ROS1, FGFR, and TROP-2 for improved lung cancer care.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Targeted therapies have significantly improved survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Rapid advancements in identifying and targeting oncogenic drivers present challenges in staying current with treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging perspectives in the treatment of actionable targets in lung cancer.
  • To provide an update on novel therapeutic strategies for various genetic alterations in NSCLC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advancements in targeted therapies for NSCLC.
  • Focus on specific oncogenic drivers including KRAS, EGFR, ALK, MET, HER2, RET, ROS1, FGFR, and TROP-2.

Main Results:

  • Discussion of newer KRAS-directed therapies, including non-G12C mutations, pan-RAS, and RAS-GTP inhibitors.
  • Overview of current standards of care for EGFR- and ALK-altered NSCLC, alongside anticipated novel treatments.
  • Exploration of emerging targets such as MET, HER2, RET, ROS1, FGFR, and TROP-2 in NSCLC treatment.

Conclusions:

  • The field of targeted therapy for NSCLC is rapidly evolving, offering new hope for patients.
  • Targeting novel pathways and resistance mechanisms, like TROP-2, is crucial for future treatment strategies, especially in post-targeted therapy settings.

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...
7.4K
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...
4.8K
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...
7.5K