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Molecular Testing in Lung Cancer: The Time Is Now

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Abstract

In the past few years, we have witnessed a revolution in the molecular understanding of non-small cell lung cancer. Major progress has also been made in the clinic, with the introduction of EGFR-targeted and anti-angiogenic therapies. These advances have led to the development of a multitude of commercially available prognostic and predictive biomarkers. In particular, EGFR mutation and EML4/ALK testing have reached clinical validation and are incorporated into current treatment paradigms. This overview will present the scientific background of the biology of the relevant biomarkers and the studies conducted for their clinical validation. The technical challenges and shortcomings of these assays are also discussed. Furthermore, ongoing biomarker-driven clinical studies and the appropriate clinical use of available tests will be reviewed to assist the clinician with the proper incorporation of molecular testing into the routine care of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

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Acknowledgments

The authors’ work was supported by grants from the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute and the American Cancer Society (grant number RSG-08-303-01-TBE to BH), as well as the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute “SPORE in Human Lung Cancer” P50 CA90578-04 (BH and DBC).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Hematology/Oncology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, 1002A, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Haiying Cheng, Xunhai Xu & Balazs Halmos

  2. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Daniel B. Costa

  3. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Charles A. Powell

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  1. Haiying Cheng
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Correspondence to Balazs Halmos.

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Cheng, H., Xu, X., Costa, D.B. et al. Molecular Testing in Lung Cancer: The Time Is Now. Curr Oncol Rep 12, 335–348 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-010-0118-z

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