a male patient with a bread and glasses standing with his arms crossed against a blue background, overlaid with a translucent image of human lungs, symbolizing lung health.

Decoding Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Our understanding of late-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to evolve. Remarkable advancements in advanced lung cancer research are making it possible for doctors to identify specific biomarkers that may lead to cancer growth.

What is

NSCLC?

NSCLC originates in the epithelial cells that line the surfaces of the lungs and is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% to 85% of lung cancer cases.

THE 3 MAIN SUBTYPES OF NSCLC

Microscopic illustration of adenocarcinoma lung cancer, that shows tumors that produce a mucus-like substance within the glands lining the inside of the lungs.

Adenocarcinoma

(a type of non-squamous-cell carcinoma)

Usually begins in the outer areas of the lungs in mucus-producing cells that line the small airways, which are called bronchioles.

Microscopic illustration of squamous cell carcinoma lung cancer, located in the center of the lungs.

Squamous-cell carcinoma

A type of cancer that can form in the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the airways of the lungs. This is also called epidermoid carcinoma.

Microscopic illustration of large cell carcinoma which shows abnormal cells growing in the lungs.

Large-cell carcinoma

(a type of non-squamous-cell carcinoma)

Can develop anywhere in the lungs, although it’s mostly found around the lungs’ outer edges.

Evolution of

Lung Cancer Research

For decades, lung cancer researchers have been on a mission to better understand this serious disease.   

For those with late-stage NSCLC, it’s important to know that each discovery, no matter how small, could be a key to unlocking new ways to better manage the disease.

Some biomarker research milestones include:

1990s

Icon of a scientific microscope.

SCIENCE

Scientists realized that not all lung cancers are the same. They also discovered specific genetic mutations that make cancer cells grow out of control.

Icon of a test tube with a magnifying glass showing a droplet, symbolizing laboratory analysis.

TESTING

During this time, there was limited molecular testing available; however, the immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing method was developed to find specific proteins in cancer cells.

Icon of two types of pills, one round pill and one oval pill.

TREATMENT

Treatment options available at this time included:

2000s

Icon of a scientific microscope.

SCIENCE

Scientists found that some lung cancers have special markers called “biomarkers,” or changes in their genes. EGFR genetic mutations and ALK rearrangements were found in people with NSCLC.

Icon of a test tube with a magnifying glass showing a droplet, symbolizing laboratory analysis.

TESTING

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new kind of test called “next-generation sequencing,” or NGS.

Icon of two types of pills, one round pill and one oval pill.

TREATMENT

Introduction of targeted therapies. These drugs were designed to be more precise than traditional chemotherapy.

2010s

Icon of a scientific microscope.

SCIENCE

Several new biomarkers were discovered, including: ALK, ROS1, BRAF, and NTRK, as well as PD-L1.

Icon of a test tube with a magnifying glass showing a droplet, symbolizing laboratory analysis.

TESTING

The FDA approved a new testing method called “liquid biopsy.” And the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect ALK rearrangement was also approved.

Icon of two types of pills, one round pill and one oval pill.

TREATMENT

Introduction of immunotherapies. These drugs, which are used alone or with chemotherapy, help the body’s immune system find and destroy cancer cells.

2020s

Icon of a scientific microscope.

SCIENCE

Biomarkers RET fusions and MET exon 14 skipping were discovered. Research continues to identify biomarkers.

Icon of a test tube with a magnifying glass showing a droplet, symbolizing laboratory analysis.

TESTING

Testing methods such as FISH and IHC are being refined and optimized to help scientists identify emerging NSCLC biomarkers and determine potential treatment options to target those markers.

Icon of two types of pills, one round pill and one oval pill.

TREATMENT

Scientists are continuing to develop targeted therapies for doctors to use based on the changes to a person’s unique biomarkers.

Cutting-edge technology is pushing the boundaries of what's possible every day. It's important to remember that late‑stage NSCLC is not too late to take action.

Glossary

Early Treatment Options
Radiation therapy: Using high-energy beams to shrink tumors.
Chemotherapy: Strong medicines that kill fast-growing cells, including cancerous and healthy cells (such as those in hair follicles, lining of the gut, and bone marrow).

Palliative care: Treatments that help manage symptoms and can improve quality of life.


Biomarker Testing Methods
FISH: A lab test that uses glowing dyes to identify any unusual changes in cells.
IHC: A lab test that uses a special stain to highlight specific proteins in cells.
Liquid biopsy: This testing method can find cancer biomarkers in a blood sample.
NGS: This test can look for hundreds of cancer biomarkers all at once. NGS testing can be done using different types of samples from the body, including tissue samples from biopsies, blood samples, and fluid from the lungs.

DISCOVER

quick facts about biomarkers

STAY IN THE KNOW

and empower yourself throughout your cancer experience