SCIENCE
Decoding Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Our understanding of late-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to evolve. Remarkable advancements in advanced lung cancer research are making it possible for doctors to identify specific biomarkers that may lead to cancer growth.
What is
NSCLC?
NSCLC originates in the epithelial cells that line the surfaces of the lungs and is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% to 85% of lung cancer cases.
THE 3 MAIN SUBTYPES OF NSCLC
Adenocarcinoma
(a type of non-squamous-cell carcinoma)
Usually begins in the outer areas of the lungs in mucus-producing cells that line the small airways, which are called bronchioles.
Squamous-cell carcinoma
A type of cancer that can form in the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the airways of the lungs. This is also called epidermoid carcinoma.
Large-cell carcinoma
(a type of non-squamous-cell carcinoma)
Can develop anywhere in the lungs, although it’s mostly found around the lungs’ outer edges.
Evolution of
Lung Cancer Research
For decades, lung cancer researchers have been on a mission to better understand this serious disease.
For those with late-stage NSCLC, it’s important to know that each discovery, no matter how small, could be a key to unlocking new ways to better manage the disease.
Some biomarker research milestones include:
1990s
Scientists realized that not all lung cancers are the same. They also discovered specific genetic mutations that make cancer cells grow out of control.
TESTING
During this time, there was limited molecular testing available; however, the immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing method was developed to find specific proteins in cancer cells.
TREATMENT
Treatment options available at this time included:
2000s
SCIENCE
Scientists found that some lung cancers have special markers called “biomarkers,” or changes in their genes. EGFR genetic mutations and ALK rearrangements were found in people with NSCLC.
TESTING
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new kind of test called “next-generation sequencing,” or NGS.
TREATMENT
Introduction of targeted therapies. These drugs were designed to be more precise than traditional chemotherapy.
2010s
SCIENCE
Several new biomarkers were discovered, including: ALK, ROS1, BRAF, and NTRK, as well as PD-L1.
TESTING
The FDA approved a new testing method called “liquid biopsy.” And the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect ALK rearrangement was also approved.
TREATMENT
Introduction of immunotherapies. These drugs, which are used alone or with chemotherapy, help the body’s immune system find and destroy cancer cells.
2020s
SCIENCE
Biomarkers RET fusions and MET exon 14 skipping were discovered. Research continues to identify biomarkers.
TREATMENT
Scientists are continuing to develop targeted therapies for doctors to use based on the changes to a person’s unique biomarkers.
Cutting-edge technology is pushing the boundaries of what's possible every day. It's important to remember that late‑stage NSCLC is not too late to take action.
Glossary
Early Treatment Options
Radiation therapy: Using high-energy beams to shrink tumors.
Chemotherapy: Strong medicines that kill fast-growing cells, including cancerous and healthy cells (such as those in hair follicles, lining of the gut, and bone marrow).
Palliative care: Treatments that help manage symptoms and can improve quality of life.
Biomarker Testing Methods
FISH: A lab test that uses glowing dyes to identify any unusual changes in cells.
IHC: A lab test that uses a special stain to highlight specific proteins in cells.
Liquid biopsy: This testing method can find cancer biomarkers in a blood sample.
NGS: This test can look for hundreds of cancer biomarkers all at once. NGS testing can be done using different types of samples from the body, including tissue samples from biopsies, blood samples, and fluid from the lungs.