Article

Molecular Profiling for Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Heather Wakelee, of Stanford University Medical Center, discusses the importance of molecular profiling in predicting the response of EGFR inhibitors for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Heather Wakelee, from Stanford University Medical Center, discusses the importance of molecular profiling in predicting the response of EGFR inhibitors for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Molecular profiling is a necessary step beyond the initial diagnosis of NSCLC, Wakelee explains. EGFR mutations are found in about 10 percent of patients, but is often higher in subpopulations.

Current trials are comparing targeted therapies to chemotherapy. Patients are demonstrating better responses and longer progression rates by starting with the appropriate targeted therapy, Wakelee says, if the EGFR or ALK mutation is present.

Newsletter

Stay up to date on cancer updates, research and education

Related Videos
Daniel Jernazian, who beat cancer twice, credits his sports mindset for survival and calls it winning his ‘life World Championship’.
Patients in rural or underserved areas may have worse outcomes, highlighting the need for early support to address care access barriers.
Image of man with text.
Dr. Emre Yekedüz discusses how ASCO 2025 highlights precision medicine, biomarkers and the gut microbiome as keys to advancing kidney cancer care.
Dr. Breelyn Wilky stresses the importance of expert guidance and second opinions for patients with GIST, as treatment options continue to evolve rapidly.
Mark Daniels, 83, credits CAR T-cell therapy and compassionate care for helping him overcome lymphoma and endure the isolating treatment toll.
An early study of BGB-16673 for hard-to-treat leukemia found that side effects were manageable with no new safety concerns.
Image of woman with text.
Image of goy, and text.
Watch oncology dietitian Kenisha Parikh prepare creamy lentil soup, a soothing, protein-packed recipe to help ease side effects during treatment.