EGFR mutations and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition in non-small cell lung cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss selected molecular targets and new clinical variables that can serve as both predictive and prognostic markers for outcome in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with EGFR-TKIs.


METHODS
Research and journal articles.


CONCLUSIONS
In the near future, treatment for NSCLC will rely ever increasingly on molecular targets rather than empirically chosen cytotoxic chemotherapy for some patients. This will improve outcomes for patients with NSCLC.


CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of the molecular targets and clinical variables that are predictive and prognostic of outcome in NSCLC will help nurses better care for these patients.
Miller
Vincent A
VA
Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA. millerv@mskcc.org
D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics*; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D009154:Mutation; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000494:pharmacology
D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D000077156:Gefitinib