β-Arrestin and receptor tyrosine kinases in non-small cell lung cancer: A comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer (LC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for approximately 80-85% of cases. Most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, where curative treatment is no longer feasible. Current treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, often result in limited efficacy and significant side effects. Chemotherapy regimens, in particular, have reached a therapeutic plateau, necessitating the development of more effective and tolerable therapeutic approaches.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to explore the roles of β-arrestin and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in NSCLC progression and treatment. It further investigates the potential of targeted therapies, including those derived from natural compounds, to overcome the limitations of conventional treatment.

METHODS

A systematic review of 25 to 50 research articles was conducted. Peer-reviewed studies were selected from reputable journals, focusing on molecular mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and clinical relevance of β-arrestin and RTK signaling in NSCLC. Articles involving natural compounds with anticancer activity were also included to evaluate their therapeutic promise.

RESULTS

The review identifies β-arrestin and RTKs as crucial players in NSCLC progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Emerging targeted therapies that modulate these molecules show promise in enhancing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse effects. While natural substances have shown strong anticancer potential in preclinical models, limited clinical data restricts their current use in practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted therapies focusing on β-arrestin and RTK signaling pathways offer a promising alternative to conventional NSCLC treatments. Incorporating natural compounds may further enhance therapeutic outcomes, but more clinical evidence is needed to validate their effectiveness. Continued research into these molecular targets could lead to the development of safer and more efficient NSCLC therapies.