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Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Narrative review: molecular and genetic profiling of oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Sawsan Rashdan1,2, Puneeth Iyengar1,3, John D Minna1,2,4,5
1Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Objective:
The objectives of this review are to discuss: the definition, clinical and biologic features of oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as the concept of treating oligoprogression in oligometastatic NSCLC.
Background:
A substantial proportion of patients diagnosed with lung cancer present with metastatic disease, and a large portion of patients who present with localized disease later develop metastases. Oligometastatic NSCLC is defined as an intermediate state between localized and widespread metastatic disease, where there may be a role for curative localized therapy approach by treating the primary tumor and all metastases with radiotherapy or surgery. Despite the increasing application of this approach in patients with lung cancer, the identification of patients who might benefit from this approach is yet to be well characterized.
Methods:
After a systematic review of the literature, a PubMed search was performed using the English language and the key terms: oligometastatic, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), localized consolidative treatment (LCT), biomarkers, biologic features, clinical features. Over 500 articles were retrieved between 1889-2021. A total of 178 papers discussing the definition, clinical and biologic factors leading to oligometastatic NSCLC were reviewed and included in the discussion of this paper.
Conclusions:
Oligometastatic NSCLC is a unique entity. Identifying patients who have oligometastatic NSCLC accurately using a combination of clinical and biologic features and treating them with localized consolidative approach appropriately results in improvement of outcome. Further understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the formation of oligometastatic NSCLC is an important area of focus for future studies.
Insights
Oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an intermediate disease state. Accurately identifying and treating these patients with localized consolidative therapy improves outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Oncology
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) frequently presents with or develops metastatic disease.
- Oligometastatic NSCLC represents an intermediate stage between localized and widespread metastatic disease.
- Localized consolidative treatment (LCT) offers a potential curative approach for select oligometastatic NSCLC patients, but patient selection remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- To discuss the clinical and biologic features of oligometastatic NSCLC.
- To explore the concept of treating oligoprogression in oligometastatic NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of PubMed.
- Search terms included: oligometastatic, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), localized consolidative treatment (LCT), biomarkers, biologic features, clinical features.
- 178 papers published between 1889-2021 were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Oligometastatic NSCLC is a distinct clinical entity.
- Accurate identification of oligometastatic NSCLC patients is crucial.
- Localized consolidative approaches improve outcomes in carefully selected patients.
Conclusions:
- Oligometastatic NSCLC requires precise identification using clinical and biologic features.
- Localized consolidative treatment can enhance outcomes for eligible patients.
- Further research into the molecular drivers of oligometastatic NSCLC is essential.
