Use of histological and genetic markers in optimizing therapy for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

摘要

In the United States, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in both men and women.1 In general, lung cancers may be subdivided as either small-cell or non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of all cases. More than 50% of all patients with NSCLC already have locally advanced or metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, and most of those who present at earlier disease stages will eventually progress to advanced disease.2 As with many areas of cancer therapy, the treatment of NSCLC is rapidly evolving due to the introduction of new cytotoxic regimens and the development of specific biological cancer therapies.