Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the vast majority of lung cancers and includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Research focuses on understanding its molecular drivers, improving early detection, and personalizing treatment.

Genetic and molecular profiling has revealed frequent alterations in EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, MET, RET, KRAS and other genes. These discoveries have led to targeted therapies that inhibit specific oncogenic pathways. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors directed at EGFR, ALK or ROS1 can produce high response rates and longer progression free survival compared with conventional chemotherapy, though resistance commonly develops through secondary mutations or bypass signaling.

Immunotherapy is another major advance. Checkpoint inhibitors that block PD 1 or PD L1 restore anti tumor immune responses and can produce durable remissions in a subset of patients, especially those with high PD L1 expression or high tumor mutational burden. Combination strategies that pair immunotherapy with chemotherapy, anti angiogenic agents or other immunomodulators are being tested to broaden benefit and overcome resistance.

For early stage disease, surgery remains central, often combined with adjuvant chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy to reduce recurrence risk. Screening with low dose CT in high risk populations improves early detection and survival, although overdiagnosis and false positives remain concerns.

Current research emphasizes integrating genomic, transcriptomic and immune profiling to refine prognostic markers and guide individualized therapy across all stages. There is growing interest in liquid biopsies for noninvasive monitoring and in rational combinations of targeted and immune based treatments to delay or prevent resistance and improve long term outcomes.