Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancers and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is a heterogeneous disease that includes several histologies with distinct pathophysiological characteristics and prognoses, such as adenocarcinoma and squamous-cell carcinoma. The key factors that influence treatment decisions are disease stage, histology, performance status and molecular characteristics; the latter is especially important in the treatment of metastatic disease.

Current treatment advances Generic chemotherapy such as antitubulins and antimetabolites form the backbone of treatment for the majority of patients, often in combination with platinum-based regimens. NSCLC has evolved into a highly segmented indication defined by tumour histology and molecular status; targeted branded therapies have shaped the treatment algorithm.