Current perspectives of new agents in lung cancer

Irinotecan(CPT-11), Taxol, Taxotere, vinorelbine and gemcitabine have shown a significant activity in previously untreated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cisplatin(CDDP) combined with vinorelbine, gemcitabine or tirapazamine was significantly superior in survival to CDDP alone in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. Patients with NSCLC treated with combination of CDDP and Taxol or vinorelbine lived longer than those treated with conventional CDDP-based chemotherapy. CPT-11, topotecan, taxol and amrubicin have demonstrated to be active against small cell lung cancer(SCLC). Combination of CPT-11 and CDDP have had a higher response rate, and better median survival(13 months) in patients with extensive disease SCLC. Clinical trials of target-based drugs including matrix metalloprotenase inhibitors, anti-angiogenesis, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, farnesyl transferase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies have been initiated in solid tumors including lung cancer. Development of new anti-cancer agents is essential to improve outcomes of patients with lung cancer.