摘要: Thoracic oncologists traditionally have made treatment decisions based upon tumor histology, distinguishing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from small (SCLC). However, recent data has revealed that at least one histological subtype of NSCLC, adenocarcinoma comprises multiple molecularly distinct diseases. Lung subsets now can be defined by specific ‘driver’ mutations in genes encoding components the EGFR signaling pathway. Importantly, these implications regarding targeted therapy. Here, we focus on mutant NSCLC—a prime example a clinically relevant molecular subset cancer, with mechanisms drug sensitivity, primary resistance, and acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Efforts are being overcome resistance. These findings illustrate how knowledge about genetic drivers tumors lead rational therapy for individual patients.