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Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing
Published on: October 10, 2025
Recent advances in squamous non-small cell lung cancer: evidence beyond predictive biomarkers
Carlo Genova1, Erika Rijavec1, Francesco Grossi1
1a UOS Tumori Polmonari , IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro , Genova , Italy.
Abstract:
Squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has always been characterized by a limited number of therapeutic options and by the lack of actionable biomarkers compared to its non-squamous counterpart. Recent clinical trials have led to the approval of new anti-neoplastic drugs available to both non-squamous and squamous NSCLC, consisting in a vascular-disrupting agent and two immune check-point inhibitors; additionally, a monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is currently under evaluation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While predictive molecular biomarkers have not been identified with consistency and are still highly demanded, these agents proved themselves noteworthy and can be considered a powerful addition to the available treatments for squamous NSCLC.
Insights
New anti-cancer drugs offer improved treatment options for squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While biomarkers are still needed, these therapies represent a significant advancement for patients with squamous NSCLC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical research
Background:
- Squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) historically has limited therapeutic choices and fewer actionable biomarkers than non-squamous NSCLC.
- Recent advancements have introduced new anti-neoplastic drugs for both squamous and non-squamous NSCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the recent therapeutic advancements in squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- To highlight the impact of newly approved and investigational drugs on treatment options for squamous NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical trials and FDA evaluations.
- Analysis of approved anti-neoplastic agents including vascular-disrupting agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibodies.
Main Results:
- Several new anti-cancer drugs are now available or under evaluation for squamous NSCLC.
- These include a vascular-disrupting agent, two immune checkpoint inhibitors, and an investigational EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibody.
- These agents have shown promise despite the lack of consistent predictive molecular biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- The newly approved and investigational agents represent a significant addition to the treatment landscape for squamous NSCLC.
- Further research is needed to identify consistent predictive molecular biomarkers for these therapies.
- Current therapeutic options for squamous NSCLC have notably improved with these advancements.
