The Evolving Interplay Between Targeted Therapy and Surgery for Resectable Lung Cancer.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Molecular Targeted Therapy

Background:

• Landmark trials are establishing targeted therapy alongside surgery for resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
• The integration of targeted agents is transforming treatment paradigms for early-stage lung cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current clinical evidence on targeted therapies in resectable NSCLC.
• To highlight the evolving role of targeted agents in conjunction with surgical resection for lung cancer.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of recent clinical trials and retrospective studies.
• Synthesis of data focusing on targeted therapy efficacy in resectable NSCLC.

Main Results:

• Adjuvant osimertinib (EGFR-mutated NSCLC) and alectinib (ALK-positive NSCLC) significantly improve outcomes post-resection (ADAURA, ALINA trials).
• Neoadjuvant osimertinib shows promise in improving pathologic response rates and facilitating surgery (NeoADAURA trial).
• Early molecular profiling is crucial for guiding treatment decisions in NSCLC.

Conclusions:

• Current data support targeted therapies as integral to multimodal care for surgically resectable NSCLC.
• Ongoing trials will further define optimal timing and expand targeted therapy use, potentially impacting advanced disease management.