Evolving Cancer Classification in the Era of Personalized Medicine: A Primer for Radiologists

Korean J Radiol. 2017 Jan-Feb;18(1):6-17. doi: 10.3348/kjr.2017.18.1.6. Epub 2017 Jan 5.

Abstract

Traditionally tumors were classified based on anatomic location but now specific genetic mutations in cancers are leading to treatment of tumors with molecular targeted therapies. This has led to a paradigm shift in the classification and treatment of cancer. Tumors treated with molecular targeted therapies often show morphological changes rather than change in size and are associated with class specific and drug specific toxicities, different from those encountered with conventional chemotherapeutic agents. It is important for the radiologists to be familiar with the new cancer classification and the various treatment strategies employed, in order to effectively communicate and participate in the multi-disciplinary care. In this paper we will focus on lung cancer as a prototype of the new molecular classification.

Keywords: ALK rearrangement; Adenocarcinoma; EGFR mutation; Lung cancer; NSCLC.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / classification*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / classification*
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Mutation
  • Precision Medicine / methods*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • ALK protein, human
  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases