Clinicopathological analysis of genetic mutations identified in advanced non-smallcell lung cancer: Results from a single-center study

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among both men and women in Turkey and worldwide. Approximately 70% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which significantly limits treatment outcomes. In metastatic NSCLC, the use of conventional systemic chemotherapy has historically yielded only a modest improvement, with an average overall survival (OS) gain of approximately two months. However, over the past two decades, advances in molecular and genetic research have led to the identification of oncogenic driver mutations and the development of personalized, targeted therapies, which have provided substantial improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and OS. With the incorporation of biomarker-driven therapies and immunotherapies into clinical practice, the two-year OS rate has increased from 34% in 2009–2010 to 42% in 2015–2016. Furthermore, in patients eligible for biomarker-based targeted therapies or immunotherapy, five-year OS rates range between 15% and 62%. These findings highlight the necessity of early and accurate molecular profiling in advanced NSCLC and emphasize the importance of timely initiation of appropriate targeted therapies.