Genetic Testing in Lung Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Lung cancer, which has a poor prognosis, is the leading cause of cancer death in Japan. Because the symptoms are minimal in the early stages of this cancer, most patients are diagnosed after they have reached an advanced stage and mainly receive chemotherapy. EGFR gene mutation and the ALK fusion gene are representative driver mutations in lung cancer and are the target of molecular target drugs. Genetic testing is essential for anti-cancer drug selection in patients with lung cancer because molecular target drugs are very effective for patients with genetic abnormalities. Lung cancer treatment has entered a new era of personalized medicine in which drugs are tailored to individual genetic abnormalities.