First-line therapy for non-small cell lung cancer including targeted therapy: A brief review

Abstract

Operative removal of non-small cell lung cancer remains the mainstay of therapy. When this is not possible, cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy can be given but are marginally effective in prolonging overall survival. However, with a better understanding of the pathobiology of the lung cancer cells, new targeted therapies have been developed which may produce dramatic responses in selected patients. This brief review will emphasize these newer therapies in this rapidly evolving field.