Novel approaches for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Non-small cell lung cancer is a major worldwide health problem. Approximately 80% of non-small cell lung cancer patients present with advanced disease for which there is little or no chance of cure. Although survival in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer patients is prolonged by treatment with combination chemotherapy regimens, all of these patients develop disease that is refractory to currently available systemic therapy. Basic scientists have identified a number of new therapeutic targets that offer the potential for novel therapeutic interventions, which might control chemotherapy-refractory disease or potentiate the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The new targets include tumor-associated angiogenesis, biochemical pathways that stimulate tumor proliferation, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Each of these novel targets will be discussed briefly in this review.
Bonomi
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Department of Medical Oncology, Rush Cancer Institute, Chicago, IL 60612-3824, USA.
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents