Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Lung cancer is a leading cause of death in the US; approximately 226,000 new cases are anticipated to be diagnosed in 2012 with an associated 160,000 deaths. Approximately 16% of all lung cancer patients survive 5 years or more after diagnosis. The primary risk factor for lung cancer is smoking, accounting for more than 85–95% of all lung cancer-related deaths. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Mutations in EGFR are found in approximately 10% of Caucasian NSCLC patients and up to 50% of Asian NSCLC patients. Mutations in the ERCC1 and KRAS genes, as well as fusion proteins involving ALK are also associated with NSCLC.