Raparia K, Villa C, DeCamp MM, Patel JD, Mehta MP. Molecular profiling in non-small cell lung cancer: a step toward personalized medicine.
Arch Pathol Lab Med 2013;
137:481-91. [PMID:
23544937 DOI:
10.5858/arpa.2012-0287-ra]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT
Lung carcinoma is the result of sequential accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes. Lung adenocarcinoma is a heterogeneous disease with diverse somatic mutations, and several of them include the so-called driver mutations, which may serve as "druggable" therapeutic targets. Thus, development of personalized approaches for the treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) mandates that pathologists make a precise histologic classification inclusive of routine molecular analysis of such tumors.
OBJECTIVE
To address the molecular mechanisms underlying NSCLC and how this knowledge reflects the multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and management of these patients. We will also summarize the current available and investigational personalized therapies for patients with resectable early-stage, unresectable locally advanced, and metastatic NSCLC.
DATA SOURCES
Peer-reviewed published literature and personal experience.
CONCLUSIONS
There are multiple mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, which operate in parallel and involve pathways of activation and inhibition of various cellular events. Further research is essential to characterize the histologic and mutational profiles of lung carcinomas, which will ultimately translate into improved and more personalized therapeutic management of patients with lung cancer.
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