Novel therapies targeting signaling pathways in lung cancer.
Despite advances in chemotherapy, the prognosis for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains dismal. Increasing understanding of the biological processes responsible for lung carcinogenesis has led to development of new therapeutic strategies targeting this disease at a molecular level. This article examines the molecular events believed to lead to cellular changes in lung cancer, and how knowledge of these is used to develop new agents used individually or in combination with available cytotoxic drugs to improve survival. Finally, it explores how a deeper understanding of the embryonic signaling pathways responsible for airway epithelial repair and tumorogenesis, such as Hedgehog (Hh), Notch, and Wingless (Wnt), can lead to the development of newer and more specific therapies for lung cancer.
Yagui-Beltrán
Adam
A
Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2340 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94143-0128, USA.
He
Biao
B
Raz
Dan
D
Kim
Jae
J
Jablons
David M
DM
D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy; D009857:Oncogenes / Q000235:genetics; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*
D066246:ErbB Receptors; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor