Molecular Targets in Lung Cancer Therapy: A Current Review

Abstract

Lung cancer presents a heterogeneous nature, which became more and more evident. Generally this type of cancer in an advanced state has a poor prognosis. The discovery of multiple molecular mechanisms, associated to the development, proliferation and prognosis of lung cancer has created new opportunities for a targeted therapy, improving clinical results. Non-small cells lung cancer is characterized by mutations on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and/or in the signaling pathways related to this receptor, which promoted the development of selective monoclonal antibodies and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tirosine Kinase Inhibitors, blocking the proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis and tumor survival. Thus, our review highlighted the importance of a continuous research of new molecular targets in lung cancer to achieve better therapeutic outcomes and overall survival rates.