What type of targeted therapy is most likely used for a patient with non-small cell lung cancer to promote tumor cell death?

The selection of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is based on the specific characteristics of the cancer cells. Many cases of NSCLC exhibit mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, which leads to increased tumor growth and survival. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that target these mutations can effectively inhibit signaling pathways that promote tumor cell proliferation and survival, ultimately promoting tumor cell death.

This approach represents a more precise method of treatment compared to traditional chemotherapy, which indiscriminately targets rapidly dividing cells and can often result in more widespread side effects. Monoclonal antibodies, while effective in some cancers, generally target specific antigens rather than intracellular signaling pathways like TKIs do. Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer, which can be beneficial for certain patients but does not directly induce cell death through the same mechanisms as TKIs.

Thus, the use of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors aligns with the treatment goals for patients with NSCLC characterized by EGFR mutations, facilitating targeted therapy that specifically addresses the underlying molecular pathology of the cancer.