Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Precision medicine in non-small cell lung cancer: Current applications and future directions
Soo-Ryum Yang1, Anne M Schultheis2, Helena Yu3
1Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, United States.
Abstract:
Advances in biomarkers, targeted therapies, and immuno-oncology have transformed the clinical management of patients with advanced NSCLC. For oncogene-driven tumors, there are highly effective targeted therapies against EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, TRK, RET, and MET. In addition, investigational therapies for KRAS, NRG1, and HER2 have shown promising results and may become standard-of-care in the near future. In parallel, immune-checkpoint therapy has emerged as an indispensable treatment modality, especially for patients lacking actionable oncogenic drivers. While PD-L1 expression has shown modest predictive utility, biomarkers for immune-checkpoint inhibition in NSCLC have remained elusive and represent an area of active investigation. Given the growing importance of biomarkers, optimal utilization of small tissue biopsies and alternative genotyping methods using circulating cell-free DNA have become increasingly integrated into clinical practice. In this review, we will summarize the current landscape and emerging trends in precision medicine for patients with advanced NSCLC with a special focus on predictive biomarker testing.
Insights
Precision medicine advances, including targeted therapies and immuno-oncology, are revolutionizing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Biomarker testing is crucial for guiding these therapies and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) management has been transformed by progress in biomarkers, targeted therapies, and immuno-oncology.
- Targeted therapies are highly effective for oncogene-driven NSCLC, with ongoing research into novel targets like KRAS and HER2.
- Immune-checkpoint inhibitors are vital, particularly for NSCLC patients without actionable drivers, though predictive biomarkers are still under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of precision medicine in advanced NSCLC.
- To highlight emerging trends in predictive biomarker testing for NSCLC.
- To discuss the integration of tissue biopsy and cell-free DNA genotyping in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on targeted therapies and immuno-oncology in NSCLC.
- Analysis of established and emerging predictive biomarkers.
- Discussion of evolving diagnostic techniques, including liquid biopsies.
Main Results:
- Established targeted therapies exist for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, TRK, RET, and MET mutations in NSCLC.
- Investigational therapies for KRAS, NRG1, and HER2 show promise for future standard care.
- PD-L1 expression has limited predictive value for immune-checkpoint inhibitors; novel biomarkers are needed.
Conclusions:
- Precision medicine, driven by biomarker advancements, is reshaping advanced NSCLC treatment.
- Optimal utilization of tissue and liquid biopsies is essential for effective biomarker testing.
- Continued research into predictive biomarkers is critical for advancing NSCLC therapy.
More Related Videos
05:17Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing
Published on: October 10, 2025
10:29Semi-automatic PD-L1 Characterization and Enumeration of Circulating Tumor Cells from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients by Immunofluorescence
Published on: August 14, 2019
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...