Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, characterized by high incidence and mortality rates. Non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant histological type of lung cancer. Due to the lack of effective early diagnostic methods, the majority of patients with lung cancer present with distant metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis, often rendering treatments such as surgery and pharmacotherapy ineffective. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a more in‑depth understanding of the pathogenesis of NSCLC and the identification of novel therapeutic targets to enable more precise prediction and treatment of the disease. circular RNAs (circRNAs) are specifically expressed in tissues, owing to their high stability and specificity. The dysregulation of circRNA expression has been implicated in cancer progression, where circRNAs function as microRNA sponges, RNA‑binding protein sponges, gene splicing and transcriptional regulators and protein/peptide translational modulators. These molecules may serve as potential biomarkers for cancer prognosis and predictive indicators, as well as novel therapeutic targets. The present review summarizes the biogenesis and mechanistic functions of circRNAs, outlines their potential role in the initiation and progression of NSCLC and discusses their application as therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. The present review aimed to provide new perspectives for the development of emerging diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC.