Targeted Therapy in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Although lung cancer remains the leading cancer killer in the United States, recent years have seen a number of developments that may portend future clinical benefit. These include renewed interest in CT-based screening approaches, the use of stereotactic radiation for early stage tumors, proposed revisions to the lung cancer staging system, and the development of molecular methods to predict chemotherapy sensitivity. Perhaps the most significant advance in the treatment of this challenging disease is the introduction of molecularly targeted therapies, a term that includes monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Specifically, drugs targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are now FDA-approved for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although these agents are generally better tolerated than conventional chemotherapy, their use requires a clear understanding of clinical data, mechanism, patient selection, drug interactions, and toxicities.Part of the Oxford American Pocket Notes series, this volume provides a clinically-oriented overview of NSCLC targeted therapies to practicing oncologists. This ultra-concise guide contains insightful, easily accessible, evidence-based discussion on the mechanisms and proper use for the newest agents to treat NSCLC. Key features include bulleted lists as well as numerous tables and figures to illustrate key points and provide the clinician with essential patient care tools.