Microtubule antagonists are highly active agents for treatment of metastatic lung cancer, but can lead to significant toxicities and tumor resistance. Eribulin mesylate is a novel antimicrotubule agent that binds at a different site of the microtubule chain, and has been shown to be effective against many tumor types in several Phase II trials. Studies revealed many potential mechanisms beyond disruption of microtubule machinery that may be linked to its superior efficacy and less degree of toxicities. To date, only Phase III evidence to support eribulin use is in breast cancer, but the ongoing Phase III trial testing its efficacy in metastatic lung cancer against treatment of physician's choice will prove its merits in this setting.
Keywords: antimicrotubule; eribulin; halichondrin; lung cancer; taxanes.