Understanding non-small cell lung cancer 

What is non-small cell lung cancer?

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, making up about 85% of all lung cancer cases. It can be classified into three main types¹:

• Adenocarcinoma: The most prevalent subtype of NSCLC, originating from cells that produce mucus. It typically occurs in the outer regions of the lungs. While smoking is a major risk factor, adenocarcinoma is also common among non-smokers.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This type starts in the cells lining the airways and is usually found in the central parts of the lungs.
• Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung (LC-NEC-L): A rare form of NSCLC that typically develops in the central regions of the lungs. Neuroendocrine carcinomas are highly aggressive cancers associated with a poor prognosis and a 5-year survival rate ranging between 15-25% in advanced stages.²

Treatments for NSCLC

Treatment options are personalized for each individual based on the type of lung cancer, its location, the patient's activity and fitness level, and the cancer's stage at diagnosis.³

The most common treatments for non-small cell lung cancer are⁴:

• surgery
• radiotherapy
• chemotherapy
• chemotherapy with radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy)
• immunotherapy
• targeted cancer drugs

There are many unmet treatment needs for NSCLC, especially for treatments with fewer side effects and easier administration.

HER2 mutations

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, with NSCLC accounting for the majority of these cases.⁵ Among these, approximately 2-4% of patients present with a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) mutation.⁶ Individuals with this mutation experience substantial unmet needs, as there are currently limited targeted therapies available for HER2-mutated cancers.⁷

When there are mutations in the HER2 gene, it can result in uncontrolled cell production and promotion of tumor growth and spread⁸. These mutations are generally considered markers of a poor prognosis. Therefore, identifying HER2 mutations is crucial for NSCLC patients to benefit from targeted therapies. ⁹

References:

1. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html
2. Lung Cancer Survival Rates | 5-Year Survival Rates for Lung Cancer | American Cancer Society
3. Lung cancer - Treatment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
4. Cancer research: Treatment options for non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) | Lung cancer | Cancer Research UK
5. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007194.htm
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37813015/ 
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36077691/ 
8. https://www.targetedonc.com/view/targeted-treatments-emerge-for-her2-mutations-in-lung-cancer
9. Consensus for HER2 alterations testing in non-small-cell lung cancer - PMC (nih.gov)