Biology of invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung

Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) is a unique histologic subtype of lung adenocarcinoma. Recent studies document distinctive genetic alterations (e.g., NRG1 fusions) and a “mucinous gene signature” in IMAs, as well as differences in clinical responses to traditional chemotherapies in IMAs versus non-mucinous adenocarcinomas. Our understanding of the genetic and clinical characteristics of IMAs has expanded, confirming the uniqueness of IMAs. Accordingly, IMAs require different therapeutic approaches than do lung adenocarcinomas in general. Here, we review recent updates on the genetic and clinical profiles of IMA of the lung.