Ruolo della farmacogenetica nella identificazione della migliore strategia terapeutica per il paziente affetto da carcinoma polmonare non a piccole cellule

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer death in many countries. The carcinogenesis of this malignancy is characterized by different genetic and epigenetic alterations. Knowledge of the signal transduction pathways specific to neoplastic cells has recently led to the development of a targeted approach, called "target therapy". The aim of this therapeutic strategy is to single out small molecules or monoclonal antibodies directed against molecular targets. Recent findings have revealed EGFR mutations in lung cancer cells and have shown their predictive role in the response to EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (EGFR-TKI). These pharmacogenetic approach studies have allowed patients who might benefit from a specific antineoplastic treatment to be selected without the risk of useless severe toxicity.