Untargeted Use of Targeted Therapy

摘要: Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in men and women frequently presents as advanced disease. The majority lung cancers are non-small cell type, for which chemotherapy has demonstrated modest survival benefits at all stages Clearly, more effective therapies needed. Agents that alter critical molecular growth pathways, so-called targeted therapies, a growing area research development. Targeted including drugs directed epidermal factor receptor (EGFR) vascular endothelial (VEGF) have recently established role treatment stage (NSCLC). These many others undergoing investigation, either single agents or combination with cytotoxics other dual goals improved efficacy reduced toxicity. Although progress been made target identification treatment, ability to select groups NSCLC patients who benefit from these based on predictive markers remains challenge. Ongoing studies correlating potential biomarkers patient outcome designed refine use developing is, provide rational basis “targeted therapies.” Despite some recent breakthroughs identifying signatures benefit, much be learned. Using erlotinib bevacizumab prime examples, this chapter will review dilemma currently facing both basic scientists clinical investigators engaged study NSCLC, namely how develop test paradigms individualizing therapy.