Nov. 04, 2025
Recent years have seen remarkable improvements in lung cancer outcomes driven by advances in diagnostics, therapeutics and multidisciplinary care. Vamsi Velcheti, M.D., is a thoracic oncologist and chair of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
"Lung cancer is not the same disease we treated a decade ago," says Dr. Velcheti. "Outcomes have improved substantially, and a growing number of patients — even those with stage 4 disease — are living longer, better lives. Some may even be cured."
This progress reflects a broader shift in the field toward individualized, evidence-based care. Staying abreast of these innovations is essential to optimizing patient management.
Personalization and multidisciplinary collaboration
One of the most significant changes in lung cancer care is the move toward personalized treatment strategies. Clinical stage, tumor biology and patient-specific factors now guide therapy selection. Multidisciplinary teams work together to review imaging, pathology and molecular data, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored approach.
"Every patient's lung cancer is unique in a lot of different ways," says Dr. Velcheti. "The clinical stage of the cancer really dictates the treatment approach, and in addition to that, there's a lot of complexity in terms of the biology of lung cancer."
Weekly tumor boards and patient navigation programs are increasingly standard, helping streamline care and address both medical and psychosocial needs.
Precision diagnostics and molecular profiling
Molecular genotyping and genetic testing have become integral to lung cancer care, enabling clinicians to identify actionable mutations and select targeted therapies.
"It's not enough to treat lung cancer as lung cancer anymore," says Dr. Velcheti. "We have different types of lung cancer based on gene mutations in the cancer. So, these are an integral part of our treatment planning for patients with lung cancer."
Emerging technologies such as radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) are further enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Deep learning algorithms can analyze CT and MRI scans to extract subvisual features, offering new insights into disease progression and therapeutic response. These tools are being incorporated into clinical workflows, improving both accuracy and efficiency in diagnosis.
"Lung cancer is not the same disease we treated a decade ago. Outcomes have improved substantially, and a growing number of patients — even those with stage 4 disease — are living longer, better lives. Some may even be cured."
Dr. Velcheti aims to develop a lab dedicated to advancing AI technologies, with the goal of bringing the latest AI opportunities directly into patient care environments. This type of effort will require broad collaboration, with the lab serving as a platform for teams to come together to accelerate AI innovation, translating it into opportunities at the bedside.
"There's a lot of excitement and discussion around AI," says Dr. Velcheti. "When we shift the focus to patient care, it becomes clear that what matters most to patients is a simple question: 'How will this help me today in achieving my health goals?' That's why there's an urgent need."
Therapeutic innovations within clinical research
Advances in radiation therapy are expanding options for patients with lung cancer. Carbon ion radiation therapy, for example, represents a new frontier in precision treatment. This modality delivers highly targeted radiation, potentially improving outcomes and minimizing side effects. Its ability to synergize with immunotherapy is of particular interest, as it may enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Immunotherapy itself continues to evolve, with clinical trials exploring CAR-T cell therapy, engineered immune cells and mRNA-based vaccines for solid tumors. These strategies aim to harness the patient's own immune system, offering new hope for those with advanced or refractory disease.
Participation in clinical research that advances these new therapies is increasingly recognized as a critical component of lung cancer care.
Building the future of lung cancer care
The future of lung cancer care is being shaped by ongoing investment in research, technology and infrastructure. The development of AI-driven diagnostic tools, expansion of advanced radiation facilities and growth of immunotherapy programs are setting new standards for the field. As these innovations move from research to clinical practice, they promise to further personalize care, improve outcomes and expand options for patients.
"We are building a future where every patient receives the most advanced, personalized treatment available — and where collaboration drives progress for all," says Dr. Velcheti.
For more information
Refer a patient to Mayo Clinic.