An onco's take: 6 emerging lung cancer biomarkers that could redefine care
Industry Buzz
These newer biomarkers highlight how precision medicine keeps evolving in lung cancer. So even if a biomarker isn't targetable today, it still might be important for clinical trials.
—Eric K. Singhi, MD
Lung cancer care has always moved fast—but right now, it’s in overdrive. In a recent TikTok for Lung Cancer Awareness Month, oncologist Eric K. Singhi, MD, broke down six emerging or recently emerged biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
His message? Stay curious—and stay ready to match patients with trials that could soon redefine standards of care.
KRAS: Beyond G12C
STK11 and KEAP1: The immunotherapy modifiers
Neither STK11 nor KEAP1 directly drives tumor growth, but their presence—often alongside KRAS mutations—can predict how tumors respond to immunotherapy.[]
Loss of MTAP, seen in approximately 15% of NSCLC cases, creates a unique metabolic weakness that can be exploited.[] PRMT5 inhibitors are a major focus in current clinical trials, Dr. Singhi noted.
MET alterations: More than exon 14
Yes, MET exon 14 skipping mutations remain an important target with existing approved therapies—but Dr. Singhi emphasized the growing role of MET protein overexpression, amplification, and even fusions.[]
These variations may soon expand eligibility for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) such as telisotuzumab vedotin, which is already showing promise in this space, Dr. Singhi emphasized.
HER2: Mutations vs overexpression
HER2 mutations occur in about 2%–4% of NSCLC cases. Options like trastuzumab deruxtecan and zanidatamab zovodotin have already shifted practice, Dr. Singhi noted.[] HER2 overexpression—distinct from mutation—can also guide the use of trastuzumab-based therapies.
Your takeaway
Dr. Singhi’s bottom line? "These newer biomarkers highlight how precision medicine keeps evolving in lung cancer. So even if a biomarker isn't targetable today, it still might be important for clinical trials," he said.
For oncologists, this means:
Retesting and re-profiling when possible, especially after progression.
Keeping up with evolving trial criteria. Many agents are being studied across biomarker-defined subgroups.
Collaborating across teams to ensure that patients with rare or emerging molecular profiles aren’t missed.