Bortezomib-based combinations in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United States. Current trials are focusing on the integration of novel therapeutic agents into current non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment paradigms. Bortezomib, a small-molecule proteasome inhibitor, has single-agent activity in NSCLC and in combination with agents commonly used in NSCLC. This article will review the rationale and preclinical data supporting bortezomib combinations and the clinical trials with bortezomib alone and in combination in NSCLC to date.