Recent advances in the evidence-based management of non-small cell lung cancer: Current diagnostic approaches, molecular profiling, precision oncology, systemic therapies, surgical management, radiotherapy, and future therapeutic directions
Keywords:
Non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, molecular biomarkers, precision medicine, EGFR, ALK, KRAS, BRAF, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, targeted therapyAbstract
Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite improvements in early detection and multidisciplinary care, many patients are diagnosed with advanced disease, resulting in poor long-term survival. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, minimally invasive surgery, and precision medicine have substantially transformed the management of NSCLC and improved clinical outcomes for selected patient populations. Aim: This review aimed to summarize current evidence regarding the diagnosis and evidence-based management of NSCLC, with emphasis on risk factors, conventional treatment modalities, biomarker testing, and recent therapeutic advances that support personalized patient care. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using published clinical guidelines, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and landmark studies addressing surgical treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, molecular profiling, targeted therapy, and biomarker-directed management of NSCLC. Results: Surgical resection remains the preferred treatment for resectable early-stage disease, while platinum-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy continue to play central roles in locally advanced and metastatic NSCLC. Minimally invasive surgical approaches and stereotactic body radiation therapy have improved local disease control with lower treatment-related morbidity.
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