Introduction to HER2-Mutated NSCLC: Defining the Clinical Landscape

Dr. Edgardo Santos and Dr. Gilberto Lopes introduce the program and establish the clinical relevance of HER2-mutated NSCLC as an emerging target in thoracic oncology. They frame HER2 mutations as a distinct molecular subset, separate from HER2 overexpression/amplification paradigms more familiar in breast and gastric cancers, underscoring the importance of genomic-driven treatment strategies in lung cancer.

The discussion highlights the increasing recognition of HER2 mutations as actionable oncogenic drivers identified through next-generation sequencing (NGS). The faculty emphasize the need for comprehensive molecular profiling at diagnosis to ensure appropriate patient identification, aligning with precision oncology principles and current guideline-driven care.

HER2-mutated NSCLC is positioned within the broader context of targeted therapy in lung cancer, alongside EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 alterations. Dr. Santos and Dr. Lopes discuss a recent workshop that addressed evolving treatment paradigms, signaling a shift from historically limited options toward targeted therapies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

The discussion underscores that appropriate identification of HER2 mutations directly impacts eligibility for targeted therapies, particularly ADCs and establishes diagnostic accuracy as the foundation for effective treatment, reinforcing that testing strategy is inseparable from therapeutic decision-making in modern thoracic oncology.