Cell Death, Molecular Targeted Therapies, and Metabolic Reprogramming in EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. In general, lung cancer can be divided into two major types, including small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and the more common non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Molecular events underlying lung cancer development, growth, and progression remain complex. In addition to a variety of genetic aberrations, alterations in cellular metabolism have been implicated. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a cell surface protein that is frequently mutated in NSCLC. In this review, we discuss the effects of EGFR mutants on cell proliferative and survival signals, as well as metabolic reprogramming, in NSCLC. We also discuss the use and mechanisms of action of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that target EGFR-mutants and mediate their inhibitory effects by inducing cell death. Development of resistance to EGFR-TKIs is a problem in the clinic. We further discuss the approaches that are used to overcome this resistance, including the development of fourth-generation EGFR-TKIs. Immunotherapy is not very effective in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. We also discuss possible underlying mechanisms for the inadequate response of EGFR-mutant tumors to immunotherapeutics. Given that mutant EGFR transduces survival signals, and affects cellular metabolism, a better understanding of the crosstalk between mutant EGFR-mediated signals and metabolic reprogramming is expected to facilitate the development of newer personalized therapeutics to manage lung cancer.