Biomarkers That Currently Affect Clinical Practice in Lung Cancer: EGFR, ALK, MET, ROS-1, and KRAS

Front Oncol. 2014 Aug 11:4:204. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00204. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Lung cancer remains the most lethal malignancy in the world. Despite improvements in surgical treatment, systemic therapy, and radiotherapy, the 5-year survival rate for all patients diagnosed with lung cancer remains between 15 and 20%. Newer therapeutic strategies rely on specific molecular alterations, or biomarkers, that provide opportunities for a personalized approach to specific patient populations. Classification of lung cancer is becoming increasingly focused on these biomarkers, which renders the term "non-small cell lung" cancer less clinically useful. Non-small cell lung cancer is now recognized as a complex malignancy and its molecular and genomic diversity allows for patient-centered treatment options. Here, we review advances in targeted treatment of lung adenocarcinoma with respect to five clinically relevant biomarkers - EGFR, ALK, MET, ROS-1, and KRAS.

Keywords: ALK; EGFR; KRAS; Met; ROS-1; biomarkers; lung adenocarcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review