Therapeutic Targeting of VEGFR-2, PD-L1, and EGFR–MET Pathways in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Clinical Progress with Ramucirumab, Atezolizumab, and Amivantamab

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Advances in molecular characterization and tumor biology have driven the development of antibody-based therapies targeting immune checkpoints, angiogenesis, and oncogenic signaling pathways critical for tumor growth and progression. Among these agents, Ramucirumab, Atezolizumab, and Amivantamab have demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in selected NSCLC populations. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action, pivotal clinical trials, and current clinical evidence supporting the use of ramucirumab, atezolizumab, and amivantamab in the management of advanced NSCLC. Relevant literature was identified through searches of PubMed, clinical trial registries, and recent international conference proceedings, with an emphasis on therapeutic efficacy, safety profiles, and rational combination strategies. Ramucirumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), has shown a survival benefit when combined with docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC. Atezolizumab, a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), has become a cornerstone of NSCLC treatment across multiple disease stages, both as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy. Amivantamab, a bispecific antibody targeting both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET), has demonstrated robust and durable clinical activity in patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion-mutated NSCLC. Collectively, these agents highlight the expanding role of antibody-based therapies in NSCLC and underscore the importance of biomarker-driven patient selection and treatment personalization. Ongoing research into resistance mechanisms, predictive biomarkers, and combination approaches is expected to further refine the integration of antibody-based strategies in precision oncology for NSCLC.

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Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2026-04-15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15083024
Primary Topic
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
Type
article
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article

Therapeutic Targeting of VEGFR-2, PD-L1, and EGFR–MET Pathways in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Clinical Progress with Ramucirumab, Atezolizumab, and Amivantamab

Piotr Kawczak, Tomasz Bączek
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
article

Therapeutic Targeting of VEGFR-2, PD-L1, and EGFR–MET Pathways in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Clinical Progress with Ramucirumab, Atezolizumab, and Amivantamab

Piotr Kawczak, Tomasz Bączek
article en

Abstract

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Advances in molecular characterization and tumor biology have driven the development of antibody-based therapies targeting immune checkpoints, angiogenesis, and oncogenic signaling pathways critical for tumor growth and progression. Among these agents, Ramucirumab, Atezolizumab, and Amivantamab have demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in selected NSCLC populations. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action, pivotal clinical trials, and current clinical evidence supporting the use of ramucirumab, atezolizumab, and amivantamab in the management of advanced NSCLC. Relevant literature was identified through searches of PubMed, clinical trial registries, and recent international conference proceedings, with an emphasis on therapeutic efficacy, safety profiles, and rational combination strategies. Ramucirumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), has shown a survival benefit when combined with docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC. Atezolizumab, a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), has become a cornerstone of NSCLC treatment across multiple disease stages, both as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy. Amivantamab, a bispecific antibody targeting both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET), has demonstrated robust and durable clinical activity in patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion-mutated NSCLC. Collectively, these agents highlight the expanding role of antibody-based therapies in NSCLC and underscore the importance of biomarker-driven patient selection and treatment personalization. Ongoing research into resistance mechanisms, predictive biomarkers, and combination approaches is expected to further refine the integration of antibody-based strategies in precision oncology for NSCLC.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 15(8)
Uniwersytet Pomorski w Słupsku (PL), Gdańsk Medical University (PL)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 22%
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
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