Recent advances of novel targeted therapy in non-small cell lung cancer

J Hematol Oncol. 2009 Jan 21:2:2. doi: 10.1186/1756-8722-2-2.

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths world-wide. Recent advances in cancer biology have led to the identification of new targets in neoplastic cells and the development of novel targeted therapies. At this time, two targeted agents are approved by the FDA in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) erlotinib, and the anitangiogenic bevacizumab. A third agent, cetuximab, which was recently shown to enhance survival when used with cisplatin and vinorelbine as first line therapy for advanced NSCLC, will likely be approved by regulatory agencies. With more than 500 molecularly targeted agents under development, the prospects of identifying novel therapies that benefit individual patients with lung cancer are bright.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / genetics
  • Drug Delivery Systems / trends*
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / physiology
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / physiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Models, Biological
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / physiology
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / physiology

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptor, ErbB-2