Precision Biomarkers in NSCLC: From Liquid Biopsy to Treatment Response

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a major focus of precision oncology, where molecular and immune biomarkers have transformed diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms. Recent advances in genomic profiling, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), exosomal biomarkers, and radiomic analyses have significantly expanded the understanding of tumor heterogeneity and resistance mechanisms. However, challenges in clinical adoption remain; issues such as tissue availability, standardization of liquid biopsy platforms, variability in biomarker interpretation, and equitable access across health systems continue to affect patient care. While pivotal trials have demonstrated the predictive and prognostic significance of specific biomarkers, the translation of these findings into real-world practice remains inconsistent. There is a growing need for studies bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical decision-making, integrating systemic therapies, such as targeted agents and immunotherapies, with local modalities like radiotherapy in a personalized framework.This Research Topic aims to assemble cutting-edge translational and clinical investigations focused on biomarkers that enable precision management in NSCLC. It seeks to address key questions around biomarker discovery, clinical validation, and their role in guiding treatment choices. The objective is to advance understanding of how molecular and immunologic signals influence therapeutic response, resistance development, and long-term patient outcomes, while assessing access, cost-effectiveness, and implementation barriers across health care systems.To gather further insights into biomarker-driven research for NSCLC, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Liquid biopsy applications, including circulating tumor DNA, exosomes, and extracellular-vesicle microRNA for detection, monitoring, and minimal residual disease- Next-generation sequencing and real-world molecular profiling to inform targeted therapy and elucidate resistance mechanisms- Predictive and prognostic biomarkers for immunotherapy and targeted agents, with emphasis on demographic and population diversity- Biomarkers of radiation and treatment response, radiomics, and predictors of treatment-related toxicities such as lung injury, cardiotoxicity, and lymphopenia- Health system perspectives encompassing access, cost-effectiveness, and equity in biomarker testing and utilizationPlease note: manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo, which are not based on public databases) are not suitable for publication in this journal.The Topic Editors did not declare any potential competing interests in relation to the Research Topic theme. Topic editors: Zhongxing Liao, ANOOP TM Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83372/precision-biomarkers-in-nsclc-from-liquid-biopsy-to-treatment-response