What are the options for non-small-cell lung cancer patients post second-line therapy?

摘要: 10.2217/fon.15.159 © 2015 Future Medicine Ltd Lung cancer is a neoplasm characterized by uncontrolled growth, intrinsic antiblastic resistance and high frequency of heterogeneity. These characteristics have led to huge effort clinicians for many years perform clinical trials with experimental drugs, unfortunately without any real impact on survival outcomes. More recently steps been taken toward developing deeper understanding biological genetic aspects lung cancer, especially in non-small-cell cancers (NSCLCs). Nowadays, thanks these discoveries, employ the term ‘precision medicine’ define drug great against diseases driver mutation. In last few years, knowledge about targeted agents, such as EGF receptor (EGFR) ALK inhibitors, most impressive results increasing median overall beyond 24 months [1,2]. On other hand, ‘nononcogene addicted’ population maintenance strategy pemetrexed allows almost 18 [3]. The molecular along properly employed agents oncogene addicted tumors are cornerstones that offer our patients more possibilities live longer, better quality life, result hope receive several therapeutic lines after first treatment attempt. Unfortunately, improvements theoretical than applicable daily practice. fact, despite higher number suitable third-line therapies, quantity vailable drugs this setting poor. Actually, countries erlotinib only approved therapy. However, studied pivotal BR21 study [4] probably not representative practice population. It should be kept mind was compared best supportive care eligible chemotherapy. published did manage understand therapy particular, DELTA trial tried role docetaxel an EGFR unselected pretreated second third line. powered observe statistical COMMENTARY