ABSTRACT
Recent advances in molecular biology and translational research of lung cancer have resulted in the incorporation of novel agents into the treatment of this disease. Importance of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway for the development and progression of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was recognized in the last decade, and clinical development of new agents targeting this pathway was initiated. The clinical definition of sensitivity includes both increased response rate and prolonged survival. Clinical markers of sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) may be used to guide physicians on whom to treat with EGFR TKIs, although such selection would select only a small proportion of patients who could otherwise derive survival benefit from EGFR TKIs. While the optimal sequencing of EGFR TKIs with chemotherapy continues to be investigated, we have learned that early identification of markers associated with treatment benefit is essential for the successful implementation of the novel agents into the clinical practice.
