Recent Findings on Molecular Genotyping in Lung Cancer

Giorgio V. Scagliotti, MD, PhD, head of the Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano, Italy, discusses recent advances in the molecular genotyping of patients with lung cancer.

In the past year, there has been an expansion in the genotyping of adenocarcinoma, Scagliotti notes. Researchers have discovered the potential to target ROS1 and BRAF in a limited number of patients with NSCLC. These markers are still the focus of ongoing research.

The appropriateness of EGFR inhibitors selectively in EGFR-mutant patients and the role of ALK inhibitors in ALK-positive patients was further supported in randomized phase III trials. Additionally, new agents have been identified to treat patients with ALK mutations, following crizotinib resistance.

Clinical Pearls

Currently, only the ALK and EGFR mutations are actionable and all other types of mutations should still be considered experimental, Scagliotti adds.

• Researchers have discovered the potential to target ROS1 and BRAF in a limited number of patients with NSCLC
• Further evidence now supports EGFR inhibitors selectively in EGFR-mutant patients and the role of ALK inhibitors in ALK-positive patients.
• New agents have been identified to treat patient with ALK mutations, following crizotinib resistance
• At this point, only the ALK and EGFR mutations are actionable and all other types of mutations should still be considered experimental