Cancer Genetic Mutations

Genetic mutations play a key role in NSCLC. Identifying certain, key mutations can help select targeted therapy. The two most important mutations in lung cancer right now are the EGFR and EML-4ALK mutation and are found in the subtype of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma. These mutations are more commonly found in female, asian, non-smokers. However, they are also found in smokers and males, but to a lesser degree.

Patients with the EGFR mutation are generally treated with a drug (pill) called Tarceva as first line treatment, rather than chemotherapy. Similarly, patients with the EML-4 ALK mutation are treated with a recently approved drug (pill) called Xalqori (Crizotinib). Generally patients with these mutations who are treated with the appropriate drug do very well when compared to patients who don't have the mutation and are treated with chemotherapy

It is important to note, that while other mutations in lung cancer do exist and can be identified (KRAS mutation, PIK-3 mutation, MET to name a few), there are no approved drugs that target these mutations like Tarceva and Xalqori do for EGFR and EML-4ALK and thus patients with these mutations are treated with standard chemotherpay. That said, there are several clinical trials open looking a new drugs that target these mutations.