BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the vast majority of lung cancer cases, comprising 80-85% of all diagnoses, and continues to be a primary contributor to cancer-related deaths. Early detection is essential for improving patient outcomes, yet current diagnostic markers lack both sensitivity and specificity. This study aims to identify novel biomarkers that could enhance early diagnosis. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive gene expression analysis of three NSCLC datasets (GSE33479, GSE18842, and GSE32863) and identified seven genes with relevance to the extracellular region and space: RESULTS: Among the identified genes, CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that MMP11 and SPP1, detectable in serum, may serve as valuable non-invasive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of NSCLC, particularly within health screening contexts. However, further research within larger and more diverse cohorts is imperative to validate these biomarkers and investigate the mechanisms underlying MMP11 and SPP1 expression in NSCLC. This study highlights the potential of these biomarkers to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes in NSCLC.