The molecular characterization of lung cancer has changed the classification and treatment of these tumors, becoming an essential component of pathologic diagnosis and oncologic therapy decisions. Through the recognition of novel biomarkers, such as epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase translocations, it is possible to identify subsets of patients who benefit from targeted molecular therapies. The success of targeted anticancer therapies and new immunotherapy approaches has created a new paradigm of personalized therapy and has led to accelerated development of new drugs for lung cancer treatment. This article focuses on clinically relevant cancer biomarkers as targets for therapy and potential new targets for drug development.
Key points
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The molecular characterization of lung cancer has changed the classification and treatment of these tumors, becoming an essential component of pathologic diagnosis and therapy decisions.
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The success of targeted therapies and new immunotherapy approaches has created a new paradigm of personalized therapy in lung cancer.
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Pathologists should be able to precisely handle tissue adequacy in terms of quantity and quality and maintaining tumor cells for detection of molecular alterations.
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This article focuses on clinically relevant cancer biomarkers as targets for therapy, and potential new targets for drug development.
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Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Therapy for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Treatment of Locally Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Diagnosis and Treatment of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase–Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
New Targets in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer
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