Novel cytotoxic drugs in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer

Abstract

Purpose of review: This article focuses on novel cytotoxic drugs for the treatment of patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and describes their impact on disease outcome.

Recent findings: Nab-paclitaxel and carboplatin as first-line treatment should be considered a therapeutic option, particularly in patients with squamous histology. Nedaplatin and docetaxel improves survival in Asiatic patients with squamous histology as compared with cisplatin and docetaxel.

Summary: NSCLC is a heterogeneous disease with limited available treatment options in the absence of specific molecular alterations. Defining the histological subgroup has an impact on the selection of molecular screening and therapy options. Chemotherapy has reached a plateau of effectiveness showing an overall survival of about 10 months. Therefore, some cytotoxic and antiangiogenic agents display improved efficacy in defined patient subgroups and may lead to prolonged survival. Despite this, the overall outlook of lung cancer survival for most patients remains dismal.