Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a complex and challenging disease to diagnose and manage effectively. Traditional tissue biopsies are invasive, often limited by sampling bias, and may not always provide a comprehensive understanding of the disease's progression. Liquid biopsies, which analyze genetic material and certain biomarkers present in bodily fluids, have emerged as a revolutionary non-invasive tool in the management of NSCLC. Recent advancements in techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) have significantly enhanced the performance of these tests. Liquid biopsies offer the potential for early detection, real-time disease monitoring, and the identification of molecular alterations that guide tailored treatment approaches. These innovative tests promise to transform the landscape of NSCLC diagnosis and treatment by providing a more comprehensive and dynamic picture of the disease on the molecular level.

This Research Topic aims to explore the transformative role of liquid biopsies in the field of NSCLC. We invite authors, researchers, and experts to contribute to advance our understanding of the utility of liquid biopsies. Our primary objectives are:
● To elucidate the relevance of using liquid biopsies in NSCLC, their strengths, limitations, and potential for early detection of the disease.
● To explore the role of liquid biopsies in identifying actionable molecular alterations, guiding precision medicine strategies, and improving patient outcomes.
● To investigate the use of liquid biopsies in monitoring treatment response, disease progression or relapse.
● To assess the potential of liquid biopsies in reducing healthcare costs, treatment delays and patient burden by minimizing the need for repeated invasive procedures.
● To evaluate the integration of liquid biopsies into clinical workflows and guidelines for NSCLC management, ensuring optimal patient care in routine practice.

We invite authors to contribute to this Research Topic by submitting original research, reviews, case studies, and clinical trials that address the following key areas:
● The current state of liquid biopsy in NSCLC, including its sensitivity and specificity
● Technological innovations and advancements in liquid biopsy techniques.
● The potential of liquid biopsies for early detection of the disease, especially in high-risk populations and in the scope of screening programs.
● The role of liquid biopsies in identifying actionable mutations and guiding personalized treatment strategies.
● The utility of liquid biopsies in assessing treatment response, monitoring disease progression, and early detection of recurrence.
● Ethical and regulatory considerations in the use of liquid biopsy in NSCLC management.
● Real-world data and clinical trials validating the need for liquid biopsies in routine practice.
● The potential of liquid biopsies in overcoming resistance mechanisms to current treatments, such as targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors
● Multidisciplinary approaches, including collaborations between pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and molecular biologists, to advance the field.
We encourage submissions that provide valuable insights into the potential of liquid biopsies as a game-changing tool in the management of NSCLC, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of thoracic oncology. By fostering a comprehensive and multi-faceted use of liquid biopsy, this Research Topic aims to highlight its transformative impact and guide future research and clinical practice.

Please note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this section and will not be accepted as part of this Research Topic.

Please note the following conflict of interest disclosures:
Dr Ammar Sukari - Funds from private companies MDS and Coherus

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Frontiers in Oncology

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