The role of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-IR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Abstract

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer related death in Ireland and worldwide. Despite modest advances in traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy, survival rates remain disappointing at approximately 15%. Targeted therapies such as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) provide some improvement in clinical outcomes. However the development of resistance to these drugs remains a major problem in the treatment of cancer. The rationale for investigating new targeted agents and the use of combination therapies is clear.