Management of KRAS-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Era of Precision Medicine

Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2018 Jun 27;19(8):43. doi: 10.1007/s11864-018-0557-6.

Abstract

The discovery of genomic alterations that drive the development and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has transformed how we treat metastatic disease. However, the promise of precision medicine remains elusive for the most commonly mutated oncogene in NSCLC, KRAS. This is perhaps due to the substantial heterogeneity within the broader genomic context of KRAS-mutant NSCLC. At this time, approaches for treating metastatic KRAS-mutant NSCLC mirror those for treating NSCLC that lacks a known driver mutation, including standard chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic approaches. Ongoing research aims to define further subgroups of KRAS-mutant NSCLC based on mutation subtype and co-occurring mutations. These efforts offer the potential to optimize standard-of-care regimens within these emerging subgroups and harness innovative strategies to realize precision medicine in this setting.

Keywords: Co-occurring mutation; Immunotherapy; KRAS mutation; Lung cancer; Precision medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Management
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Mutation*
  • Precision Medicine* / methods
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / genetics*
  • Standard of Care
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • KRAS protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)