Abstract
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of death associated with cancer globally, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for 80-85% of all lung cancer cases. Despite its high prevalence, the underlying mechanisms of NSCLC have not been completely clarified, and current therapeutic strategies face significant limitations. Recent research has revealed the important role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in NSCLC, particularly in regulating processes such as autophagy and drug resistance. LncRNAs are a class of non-coding RNA molecules, typically with transcript lengths exceeding 200 nucleotides, and have been the subject of extensive investigation in recent years. Their involvement in critical cellular processes has opened up new research avenues for precision medicine in NSCLC. This review aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate autophagy and drug resistance in NSCLC, explore their potential clinical applications as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and provide both theoretical foundations and practical guidance to advance precision medicine in this area. By deepening our understanding of the role of lncRNAs in NSCLC, this article also highlights the promising potential of lncRNA-based approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.