Other novel molecular targets in non-small cell lung cancer: it's not all about EGFR

Identification and inhibition of molecular pathways that drive malignant cells have led to improved outcomes in the understanding and management of non-small cell lung cancer. This has been illustrated by the effective use of the EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors erlotinib, gefitinib and afatinib, which have been major steps forward in targeted therapy for advanced and metastatic lung cancer in patients who harbour specific epithelial growth factor receptor mutations. This success continues to drive ongoing research in identifying other novel molecular pathways in malignant cells that may be exploited for targeted therapy. Some of the other current advances in identifying targetable genetic mutations and the development of therapies that may have a potential clinical impact on the management of both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell lung cancer are reviewed