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Updated: Jun 29, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Prognostic and predictive biomarkers with therapeutic targets in nonsmall-cell lung cancer: A 2023 update on current
Clement Chung1, Godsfavour Umoru2
1Department of Pharmacy, Houston Methodist West Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
BackgroundSince the publication of the original work in 2014, significant progress has been made in the characterization of genomic alterations that drive oncogenic addiction of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and how the immune system can leverage non-oncogenic pathways to modulate therapeutic outcomes. This update evaluates and validates the recent and emerging data for prognostic and predictive biomarkers with therapeutic targets in NSCLC.Data sourcesWe performed a literature search from January 2015 to October 2023 using the keywords non-small cell lung cancer, clinical practice guidelines, gene mutations, genomic assay, immune cancer therapy, circulating tumor DNA, predictive and prognostic biomarkers, and targeted therapies.Study selection and data extractionWe identified, reviewed, and evaluated relevant clinical trials, meta-analyses, seminal articles, and published clinical practice guidelines in the English language.Data synthesisRegulatory-approved targeted therapies include those somatic gene alterations of EGFR ("classic" mutations, exon 20 insertion, and rare EGFR mutations), ALK, ROS1, BRAF V600, RET, MET, NTRK, HER2, and KRAS G12C. Data for immunotherapy and circulating tumor DNA in next-generation sequencing are considered emerging, whereas the predictive role for PIK3CA gene mutation is insufficient.ConclusionsAdvances in sequencing and other genomic technologies have led to identifying novel oncogenic drivers, novel resistance mechanisms, and co-occurring mutations that characterize NSCLC, creating further therapeutic opportunities. The benefits associated with immunotherapy in the perioperative setting hold initial promise, with their long-term results awaiting.
Insights
Recent advancements in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) research have identified new genomic alterations and therapeutic targets. This includes approved targeted therapies and emerging data on immunotherapy and circulating tumor DNA for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Significant progress has been made in characterizing genomic alterations driving non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) since 2014.
- Understanding how the immune system interacts with non-oncogenic pathways is crucial for modulating therapeutic outcomes in NSCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and validate recent and emerging data for prognostic and predictive biomarkers in NSCLC.
- To identify therapeutic targets based on genomic alterations and immune system modulation in NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- Literature search from January 2015 to October 2023 using keywords related to NSCLC, biomarkers, and therapies.
- Inclusion of clinical trials, meta-analyses, seminal articles, and clinical practice guidelines.
- Evaluation of data on gene mutations, genomic assays, immunotherapy, and circulating tumor DNA.
Main Results:
- Regulatory-approved targeted therapies are available for somatic gene alterations including EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF V600, RET, MET, NTRK, HER2, and KRAS G12C.
- Immunotherapy and circulating tumor DNA in next-generation sequencing show emerging data.
- The predictive role of PIK3CA gene mutation is currently insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Advances in sequencing technologies have identified novel oncogenic drivers, resistance mechanisms, and co-occurring mutations in NSCLC, creating new therapeutic opportunities.
- Perioperative immunotherapy shows initial promise, with long-term results pending.
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