Emerging Techniques of Translational Research in Immuno-Oncology: A Focus on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Mora Guardamagna1,2, Eduardo Zamorano2, Victor Albarrán-Artahona1

  • 1Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94805 Villejuif, France.

Cancers
|July 12, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Personalized medicine improves non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survival, but resistance is a challenge. New diagnostic tools like AI and liquid biopsy help overcome resistance and optimize NSCLC treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Translational Research
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Personalized medicine and novel therapies have advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, improving survival rates.
  • However, intrinsic or acquired resistance limits durable benefits for many patients, necessitating a deeper understanding of resistance mechanisms.
  • Tumor biology, the tumor microenvironment (TME), and host factors are critical components influencing treatment response and resistance in NSCLC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging diagnostic and therapeutic tools for improving precision in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment.
  • To highlight how these tools aid in understanding the complex interplay between tumor cells, the TME, and host factors.
  • To emphasize the role of advanced diagnostics in overcoming resistance and optimizing personalized treatment strategies for improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent innovations in diagnostics, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) for predictive algorithms.
  • Exploration of advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and pathomics for deeper insights into the TME.
  • Discussion of liquid biopsy as a minimally invasive method for real-time detection of circulating tumor components and biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • AI, ML, and DL enhance diagnostic accuracy and prognostic assessment in NSCLC.
  • Single-cell RNA sequencing and pathomics provide granular insights into TME composition and function.
  • Liquid biopsy facilitates real-time monitoring of tumor heterogeneity and identification of predictive/prognostic biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • Emerging diagnostic tools are revolutionizing the understanding of NSCLC biology and resistance mechanisms.
  • These advancements are crucial for optimizing personalized treatment strategies and overcoming therapeutic barriers.
  • Decoding the complex interactions within the tumor ecosystem is key to improving patient outcomes in NSCLC.

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