Targeted therapy in lung cancer: IPASS and beyond, keeping abreast of the explosion of targeted therapies for lung cancer

J Thorac Dis. 2013 Oct;5 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):S579-92. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2013.08.52.

Abstract

Advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) over the last decade have predominantly involved the development of therapies directed at molecular targets such as mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or rearrangements in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. Other targets have been discovered at low frequency, with multiple agents approved or in development for treatment of these rare molecular subtypes. The tumour microenvironment has also provided opportunities for therapies targeting angiogenesis and the host immune response. This review will provide an overview of current targeted therapies in NSCLC and promising treatment approaches on the horizon.

Keywords: Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC); anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK); epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); immunotherapy; molecular targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Review