Two-in-one treatment targets ‘undruggable’ lung cancer
“Takeshi Shimamura, an associate professor of surgery in the College of Medicine, sees cancer as a many-headed monster: adaptive, relentless and difficult to eradicate. Thwarting its progress is his Herculean research task. “Cancer is clever. It knows how to overcome drugs, almost as if it has a mind of its own. It evolves and finds alternate pathways when its survival is threatened. That’s why I study drug resistance — to understand how it works and, ultimately, to outsmart it,” said Shimamura, who is also affiliated with the University of Illinois Cancer Center.”
OPC 2025: Key Studies Shaping Lung Cancer Therapy From ASCO 2025
“Key Takeaways: Tarlatamab in SCLC improved response rates, PFS, and OS, addressing chemotherapy resistance and durability challenges. Outpatient monitoring reduced CRS rates. IMforte study showed lurbinectedin addition to atezolizumab improved PFS and OS in extensive-stage SCLC, including patients with brain metastases. CheckMate-816 demonstrated nivolumab addition to chemotherapy improved 5-year OS and pCR in resectable NSCLC, with PD-L1 expression predicting benefit. SACHI trial showed dual therapy for EGFR-mutant NSCLC with MET amplification improved response rates and PFS, but not OS, with notable toxicity. ICI timing study suggested improved PFS and OS with pre-3 PM dosing, raising questions about circadian influences on immune response.”
Pembrolizumab and Chemoradiation Deliver Durable Responses in Stage III NSCLC
“The immunotherapy combination of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) plus concurrent chemoradiation therapy (cCRT) continued to deliver durable responses and a manageable safety profile among patients with unresectable, locally advanced, stage III non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to data from the final analysis of the phase 2 KEYNOTE-799 trial (NCT03631784) presented during the 2025 European Lung Cancer Congress.”
Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy emerges as an effective alternative for lung nodule localization
“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. The detection rate of nodules has significantly increased with the implementation of health screening using low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT), and it is not uncommon that small and multiple pulmonary nodules are frequently detected, demanding advancements in diagnostic technologies for accurate biopsy and precise localization of pulmonary nodules.”
Sugemalimab/Chemotherapy Improves Long-Term Survival in Metastatic NSCLC
“Combining sugemalimab (Cejemly) with chemotherapy in the frontline setting significantly extended overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) vs placebo/chemotherapy among those with metastatic squamous or nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to 4-year outcomes from the phase 3 GEMSTONE-302 study (NCT03789604) published in The Lancet Oncology.”
Treatment Options and AE Considerations in First-Line EGFR+ NSCLC
“The debate between osimertinib (Tagrisso) or amivantamab-vmjw (Rybrevant) plus lazertinib (Lazcluze) for EGFR-mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is ongoing. However, with recent overall survival (OS) data from the European Lung Cancer Conference (ELCC) 2025, the preference for one regimen over another may be shifting.”
Navigating EGFR Mutations and ALK Fusions in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: Biomarker testing is crucial for personalizing NSCLC treatment, moving from generic chemotherapy to targeted therapies based on molecular profiling. EGFR and ALK mutations are significant targets, with osimertinib and alectinib showing improved outcomes in early-stage NSCLC trials. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies are being refined through genomic insights, highlighting the need for timely molecular testing at diagnosis. Future NSCLC treatment will emphasize biomarker-driven strategies, increased trial enrollment, and multidisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient outcomes.”
CID-078 Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation in Small Cell Lung Cancer
“CID-078 has been granted FDA orphan drug designation for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). SCLC is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options, particularly in relapsed/refractory settings. The orphan drug designation provides incentives for CID-078’s development, including market exclusivity and tax credits, as the drug progresses through a phase 1 clinical trial for advanced solid tumors, including SCLC.”
