title: Targeted agents in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): clinical developments and rationale for the combination with thoracic radiotherapy.
abstract: In recent years there has been undoubted progress in the evaluation and development of targeted agents for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A major contributor has been the discovery of molecular subtypes harbouring a critical oncogenic driver mutation, specifically sensitizing mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene and the EML4-ALK gene translocation. Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of therapy for the curative intent treatment of early stage, localized disease; and for the palliation of symptoms in advanced, metastatic disease. In this molecular targeted era there is limited understanding of how best to combine targeted agents with radiotherapy and in general clinical studies with radiotherapy have lagged behind studies of targeted agents with chemotherapy. Here we summarise the progress made to date and highlight future directions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. Pekkoh@nhs.net
authors.forename: Pek Keng
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Koh
authors.forename: Corinne
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Faivre-Finn
authors.forename: Fiona H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Blackhall
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Ruysscher
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D061988:Proteasome Inhibitors; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061988:Proteasome Inhibitors; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D066246:ErbB Receptors