Evolving Strategies in NSCLC Care: Targeted Therapies, Biomarkers, Predictive Models, and Patient Management

Lung cancer, primarily Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), is a global public health concern responsible for 80-85% of cases, with over two million new cases occurring annually, and 50% of them in Asia. While there has been a gradual reduction in United States (US) cases over the last decade, with 238,340 new cases and 127,070 deaths reported in 2023, managing metastatic NSCLC remains crucial, focusing on prolonging survival and enhancing quality of life. Integration of early palliative care shows promise in this regard. International guidelines recommend personalized treatment guided by genetic mutations (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase, C-Ros oncogene [1ROS1]) and systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, which play pivotal roles in redefining care. Treatment effectiveness hinges on factors such as cancer stage, patient health, and therapy type, with surgery and radiation therapy common in early stages and advanced stages requiring chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, NSCLC continues to pose a significant challenge globally, particularly in Asia, where a substantial portion of new cases arise. While there has been an uncertain reduction in the incidence of lung cancer in the US over the past decade, the burden of the disease persists, with substantial mortality rates reported annually. Additionally, upon diagnosis, many NSCLC patients present with distant metastases, necessitating effective treatment strategies to improve overall survival and quality of life. The objectives include investigating targeted treatments for NSCLC with specific genetic mutations, examining mechanisms of novel therapies under study, evaluating preclinical and clinical studies for therapy efficacy and safety, identifying genetic and epigenetic biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection, developing predictive models for lung cancer recurrence and survival, assessing the efficacy of treatment approaches for early-stage lung cancer, and enhancing patient outcomes through collaborative care and lifestyle interventions. These collective efforts promise to improve patient outcomes and quality of life in the battle against NSCLC.