New horizons in chemotherapy: platforms for combinations in first-line advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
The treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer has evolved substantially during the last decade. Chemotherapy with a platinum-based doublet prolongs survival and improves quality of life in patients with good performance status. Recently, the addition of bevacizumab and the use of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in appropriately selected patients have further improved the outcome of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Newer targeted agents are being developed and tested in the clinical arena at a rapid pace. In addition, the identification by clinical or molecular criteria of patient populations that benefit the most from these agents is under active investigation. In contrast, the development of newer cytotoxic agents, with innovative mechanisms of action, has been comparatively disappointing. Whether standard cytotoxic drugs are required as newer biologic agents are more frequently used or whether a more active and safer chemotherapy can be used as a template for combinations with biologic agents remains an important research topic.
Thoracic Oncology Program, Mount Sinai Cancer Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA. rlilenba@msmc.com
Rogerio C
RC
Lilenbaum
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011788:Quality of Life; D016019:Survival Analysis