Malignant tumors remain one of the most significant global health challenges and contribute to high mortality rates across various cancer types. The complex nature of these tumors requires multifaceted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review explores current advancements in diagnostic methods, including molecular imaging, biomarkers, and liquid biopsies. It also delves into the evolution of therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and novel targeted therapies such as immunotherapy and gene therapy. Although significant progress has been made in the understanding of cancer biology, the future of oncology lies in the integration of precision medicine, improved diagnostic tools, and personalized therapeutic approaches that address tumor heterogeneity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of cancer diagnostics and treatments while highlighting emerging trends and challenges that lie ahead.

Mitochondrial Lon peptidase 1 (LONP1) is an ATP-dependent AAA⁺ (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) protease that has emerged as a key regulator of mitochondrial proteostasis, with functions extending beyond protein quality control. In addition to degrading misfolded and oxidized proteins, LONP1 coordinates mitochondrial DNA maintenance, metabolic remodeling, and stress-responsive signaling. Recent structural and functional advances have expanded the biological significance of LONP1 beyond protein quality control, highlighting its roles in mitochondrial metabolism, genome maintenance, and stress responses. LONP1 dysregulation is increasingly implicated in cancer, metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and aging, where it exerts context-dependent effects on cell survival and disease progression. In cancer, LONP1 supports metabolic plasticity, redox adaptation, and therapeutic resistance, whereas in degenerative conditions, its decline contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction and tissue damage. Here, we synthesize recent insights into the structure, mechanisms, and biological functions of LONP1 and discuss their implications for human disease. We further discuss emerging therapeutic strategies and key challenges for targeting LONP1 in human disease.