Genetic Alterations in NSCLC

Worldwide, the incidence of lung cancer is projected to continue its upward trend, with an estimated 2.5 million new cases annually. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer, accounting for ~85% of all cases. One of the challenges associated with NSCLC management is incomplete understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Tumors often harbor multiple genetic changes that interact in complex ways, influencing tumor behavior, including the growth rate, metastatic potential as well as response and resistance to therapies. Identification of genetic alterations is desirable to anticipate resistance mechanisms and guide the development of combination therapies to overcome them. It also allows better stratification of patients in clinical trials, ensuring that the therapies are tested in the most appropriate populations, improving the chances of identifying effective treatments and tailor treatment plans based on the specific genetic profile of a patient's tumor. This review summarizes the established genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with NSCLC and discusses the need for understanding the molecular pathogenesis.