Abstract
Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to be the leader in
cancer-related deaths in the United States. Although local therapies such as surgery and special types of radiation appear to deliver the best chance for cure or remission, systemic therapies such as chemotherapies and novel biologic therapies can be offered in combination with local therapies or alone for patients with metastatic disease. With tremendous improvement in the world of medical research and individualized cancer therapies, the medical oncology community is continuously discovering and targeting a network of molecular markers and genetic mutations in NSCLC in hopes of advancing the current treatment and formulating specifically tailored regimens for all patients with NSCLC. Clinical trials are designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of new drugs to improve survival and quality of life. Emerging treatment approaches, specific mechanisms of action, and drug classes in the development of NSCLC agents will be discussed.
