Customizing chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: the promise is still unmet

Abstract: A combination of cytotoxic agents with cis-platin remains the cornerstone of treatment for the vast majority of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Molecular analysis of the primary may lead better prognostication and eventually in more accurate therapeutic approaches. Data from retrospective analysis of randomized trials as well as large patients’ series have suggested that chemotherapy may be customized upon molecular-genetic analysis of the tumor cells. The Spanish Lung Cancer Group (SLCG) in collaboration with French lung Cancer Group (FLCG) had conduct randomized, phase III, biomarkersdriven trial and supported simultaneously a randomized phase II trial in collaborating centers in China. Despite the evidence from the preclinical data and the results from the retrospective studies, the results of these trials published recently in Annals of Oncology were in favor of ‘standard approach’. The present commentary tries to give some explanation for the disappointing results, provide potential solution for the future trials and explain why the vision of customizing treatment is still alive.