Emerging Frontiers in Lung Cancer Management: Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, and AI-Driven Innovations

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with an escalating global burden. This review comprehensively examines the causes, risk factors, classification systems, and contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for lung cancer management. The pathogenesis of lung cancer involves critical genetic mutations, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors, with chronic inflammation playing a pivotal role in disease progression. Modern diagnostic approaches, including liquid biopsies, advanced imaging techniques, and molecular biomarkers, enable earlier detection and more accurate disease characterization. Treatment modalities have evolved significantly, with targeted therapies and immunotherapies providing personalized treatment options alongside conventional approaches. However, substantial challenges persist, including drug resistance, disparities in treatment accessibility, and the need for truly personalized medicine. Emerging innovations such as CRISPR-based gene editing, CAR-NK cell therapy, and artificial intelligence-driven analytics hold promise for further improving patient outcomes. This review emphasizes the critical importance of integrative, patient-centered treatment approaches that prioritize both survival and quality of life, while highlighting the urgent need for continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration in the ongoing battle against lung cancer