Clinical Advances and Challenges in Targeting KRAS Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

KRAS mutation is one of the most common oncogenic drivers in non-small cell lung cancer. Since its discovery about four decades ago, drug development targeting KRAS has been met with countless failures. Recently, KRAS G12C, a subvariant of KRAS, became the first druggable KRAS mutation. The efficacy of the first-generation KRAS inhibitor is modest, but with scientific advancement, KRAS G12C inhibitors with higher potency are on the horizon. Additionally, novel therapeutic approaches targeting other KRAS subvariants are also being explored in clinical trials with encouraging early data. We will review the clinical advances and challenges for patients with KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, with a focus on small molecule inhibitors.