Targeted Therapy and Checkpoint Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality. It is classified into different histologic subtypes, including adenocarcinoma, squamous carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma (commonly referred as non–small cell lung cancer) and small cell lung cancer. Comprehensive molecular characterization of lung cancer has expanded our understanding of the cellular origins and molecular pathways affected in each of these subtypes. Many of these genetic alterations represent potential therapeutic targets for which drugs are constantly under development. This article discusses the molecular characteristics of the main lung cancer subtypes and discusses the current guidelines and novel targeted therapies, including checkpoint immunotherapy.