ABSTRACT
There has been considerable progress made in identifying oncogenic driver mutations in advanced lung cancer. The recognition that lung cancer is actually an umbrella classification that is comprised of multiple molecular subgroups has had a profound impact on how medical oncologists make treatment decisions. These mutations are clinically important as available targeted therapies can achieve significant responses and prolonged disease control. This review will summarize the current guidelines for biomarker testing and available therapeutic agents.
ABSTRACT
To suggest that the discovery of targetable driver mutations in many patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the lung has completely transformed the work-up and therapeutic options for this disease would not be hyperbole. Although not curative, small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors directed at oncogene-addicted tumors have led to significantly improved response rates compared with cytotoxic chemotherapy, with often manageable toxicities and better tolerance. However, the absence of reliable clinical predictors has made molecular testing essential to ensure that patients receive the proper medical management. We outline the many recent advances with regard to diagnosis and treatment of oncogene-addicted advanced nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer.
