Lung cancer remains the single biggest cause of cancer-related mortality, responsible for nearly a quarter of all deaths.1 Although major breakthroughs in the treatment of the most common form – non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) – have been heralded in the past decade, many challenges remain. Here, we discuss how attempts to address these challenges are the driving force behind a continuing paradigm shift in lung cancer treatment.
EGFR and ALK: a model of targeted drug development
The majority of newly diagnosed lung cancers are NSCLC, and about half of those are adenocarcinomas (Figure 1).2 Over the past decade there has been a significant evolution in the understanding and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma, mostly stemming from a greater appreciation of the distinct pathologies and unique molecular signatures of these tumors. Genomic characterization of the molecular signatures has led to the identification of numerous key genetic alterations that drive lung cancer. The dependency of lung tumors on these genetic drivers has enabled the pharmacological development of targeted therapies that exploit this vulnerability...
The majority of newly diagnosed lung cancers are NSCLC, and about half of those are adenocarcinomas (Figure 1).2 Over the past decade there has been a significant evolution in the understanding and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma, mostly stemming from a greater appreciation of the distinct pathologies and unique molecular signatures of these tumors. Genomic characterization of the molecular signatures has led to the identification of numerous key genetic alterations that drive lung cancer. The dependency of lung tumors on these genetic drivers has enabled the pharmacological development of targeted therapies that exploit this vulnerability...
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