The improbable targeted therapy: KRAS as an emerging target in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

KRAS is a frequent oncogenic driver in solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It was previously thought to be an undruggable target due to the lack of deep binding pockets for specific small-molecule inhibitors. A better understanding of the mechanisms that drive KRAS transformation, improved KRAS-targeted drugs, and immunological approaches that aim at yielding immune responses against KRAS neoantigens have sparked a race for approved therapies. Few treatments are available for KRAS mutant NSCLC patients, and several approaches are being tested in clinicals trials to fill this void. Here, we review promising therapeutics tested for KRAS mutant NSCLC.

Automated summary

KRAS, a common driver in solid tumors such as NSCLC, was initially considered undruggable due to lack of specific small-molecule inhibitors. However, with a better understanding of its transformation mechanisms and the development of immunological approaches targeting KRAS neoantigens, a race for approved therapies has emerged for KRAS mutant NSCLC patients.