Molecular Targets in the Treatment of Non—Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Is There Hope on the Horizon?

Abstract

Non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a growing concern worldwide, and its incidence continues to increase in developing countries. It has a strong association with smoking. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in most industrialized countries and in the United States. In the last 10 years, there have been significant advancements in the understanding of molecular oncogenes and how they play a role in driving lung cancer to both grow and metastasize. Understanding this rapidly expanding field has the potential to extend life, and it is an important field for all providers to conceptualize if they are treating patients with lung cancer. Currently, > 50% of all NSCLC is linked to 1 of several known genetic driver mutations. Using online databases, expert opinion, and practice-changing trials, we review the current standards of molecular testing of NSCLC and the expanding evidence of oncogenic drivers in nonsquamous NSCLC.

Keywords:

• non-small-cell lung cancer
• epidermal growth factor receptor
• anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene
• human epidermal growth factor receptor
• Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene KRAS
• BRAF mutation