Recent advancements in non–small cell lung cancer treatment, including next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates, are redefining therapeutic strategies by overcoming drug resistance and enhancing precision in targeting oncogenic mutations, according to a recent review.
New developments in the management of advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have focused on the development and application of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, introducing additional therapeutic options for patients, according to a report published in The Lancet. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting specific oncogenic mutations—including EGFR, KRAS, and ALK—have progressed through multiple generations, enhancing efficacy and addressing issues related to drug resistance. Concurrently, immune checkpoint inhibitors remain a cornerstone of treatment for patients with NSCLC lacking actionable mutations, although challenges persist in identifying predictive biomarkers and managing resistance.
The introduction of new therapies, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies, has begun to influence treatment guidelines. Agents like trastuzumab deruxtecan and patritumab deruxtecan have shown efficacy in HER2- and EGFR-mutated NSCLC, respectively; however, these therapies are associated with a risk of interstitial lung disease, necessitating careful patient selection.
Despite these therapeutic advances, challenges persist. One primary hurdle is the identification of reliable biomarkers to guide individualized treatment strategies. Additionally, the high cost and limited accessibility of these therapies pose barriers to widespread clinical implementation. Resistance to existing treatments, particularly TKIs, continues to complicate long-term management, underscoring the need for ongoing research into combination strategies and novel therapeutic agents.
Innovative immunomodulatory approaches, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, may contribute to improvements in outcomes for patients with advanced NSCLC. However, these therapies are currently in early stages of development and face challenges related to toxicity and target specificity.
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