Dr. Schwartzberg on Emerging Biomarkers in NSCLC

Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP, chief and professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, medical director, West Clinic, executive director, West Cancer Center, discusses several emerging biomarkers in non—small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

HER2 amplification is commonly seen in breast cancer, but HER2 mutations occur in a wide variety of tumors. HER2 mutations are found in 1% to 2% of NSCLC. Early data suggest that agents that target HER2 may be useful in this population.

MET alterations are also potentially targetable. There are a variety of others that are coming out as well. In the squamous cell group, FGFR alterations, either amplification or mutation are very commonly seen. Although there is no FDA-approved agent for that alteration, a large number of clinical trials are investigating the use of FGFR inhibitors in that population.