Lung Cancer Weekly News

J&J says its lung cancer drug combination keeps people alive longer
“Key Points: Johnson & Johnson said a combination of its lung cancer drugs Rybrevant and Lazcluze kept people alive for at least a year longer than AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso in a clinical trial. J&J is trying to supplant AstraZeneca’s blockbuster Tagrisso, a once-daily pill that has transformed the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations. It remains to be seen how many doctors will adopt the treatment.”

Breaking Down Silos: CU Cancer Center Program Casts a Wide Net for Lung Cancer Research
“Some of the University of Colorado Cancer Center’s foremost scientists are investigating ways to apply their groundbreaking research in various fields to lung cancer with funding and collaborative support from the cancer center’s Thoracic Oncology Research Initiative (TORI).”

Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) Announces Request for Proposals in Collaboration with Bayer Pharmaceuticals
“NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, in collaboration with Bayer Pharmaceuticals, announced submissions are being accepted for the $500,000, two-year award, titled LCRF|Bayer Research Award on Innovative Therapeutic Strategies to Treat Lung Cancers Harboring HER2 Mutations and/or Other HER2 Alterations.”

FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to Vergent Bioscience’s Novel Agent for Visualizing Solid Tumors During Lung Cancer Surgeries
“The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to Vergent Bioscience’s VGT-309, an injectable tumor-targeted fluorescent imaging agent designed to aid surgeons in visualizing tumors, lymph nodes, and positive surgical margins during lung cancer surgeries. According to the company, the decision by the FDA was based on positive safety, tolerance, and enhanced tumor visualization results in lung cancer patients.”

FDA grants priority review to oral non-small cell lung cancer drug
“The FDA granted priority review to a new drug application for sunvozertinib as an oral treatment for certain patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, according to a press release from Dizal.”

New Test Predicts Survival in Early-Stage Lung Cancer Better than Current Methods
“Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute have demonstrated that a test called the ORACLE can better predict clinical outcomes for patients with early-stage lung cancer than current methods. The findings, published in Nature Cancer, could allow doctors to identify which patients with stage I lung cancer would benefit from chemotherapy and surgery—information that current clinical standard testing is not able to provide.”

Lung cancer trial reveals 40% drop in deaths using biomarker testing
“Groundbreaking research from the University of St Andrews School of Medicine has found that biomarker testing in individuals at risk of lung cancer led to a major reduction in deaths. This study, conducted with 12,000 smokers and ex-smokers, demonstrates how biomarkers—measurable indicators of biological changes—can identify individuals at high risk of lung cancer, leading to earlier detection and significantly improved outcomes.”

Primary Lung Tumor SBRT Followed by Mediastinal Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced NSCLC
“In a phase II trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Heinzerling et al found that primary lung tumor stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) followed by concurrent mediastinal chemoradiotherapy (with or without adjuvant immunotherapy) was associated with activity in patients with locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).”

Factors Associated With Suicide Among Patients With Lung Cancer in the United States: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Data
“Conclusion: A lung cancer diagnosis is associated with a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population and patients with other cancer types. We suggest that screening for distress, using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress screening tool, and depression at regular intervals in patients with lung cancer is imperative to mitigate the non-cancer loss of life.”

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Project hopes to boost detection of lung cancer
“Nevada is launching a four-year lung cancer screening program, supported by a $7 million grant, to address its low screening rates and reduce cancer-related deaths. Inspired by Kentucky’s success, the initiative aims to normalize screening through primary care, improve education, and reduce stigma surrounding lung cancer. The long-term goal is to develop a scalable model for nationwide use, improving survivorship and early detection.”

Supreme Court to weigh reinstating Obamacare care requirements struck down by lower court
“Services and medications that might not be covered under the ruling include statins to prevent heart disease, lung cancer screening, HIV prevention, as well as medications to lower the risk of breast cancer for high-risk women, the group found.”

Diabetes drug appears to fight lung cancer — but only in overweight or obese patients
“Research conducted at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has revealed that metformin also appears to fight lung cancer — but only in overweight or obese patients. Further, recent findings have led investigators to wonder whether it might also have the potential to prevent lung cancer or to be combined with other therapies to treat the disease more effectively.”

AI in Oncology: Opportunities and Challenges for NSCLC
“Ryan Nguyen, DO, physician and researcher at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), emphasizes the need for personalized care in managing non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), considering patients’ unique life circumstances, comorbidities, and treatment goals to optimize quality of life. He also discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer care, highlighting its promise in aiding complex decisions while cautioning against its limitations, such as high rates of unsupported recommendations, and stresses the importance of rigorous validation to ensure patient safety.”

Researchers reveal why the lung is a frequent site of cancer metastasis
“More than half of cancer patients in whom the cancer spreads beyond the primary site have lung metastases. What makes the lungs such a tempting place for cancer cells?

Prevent Lung Cancer by Testing Your Home for Radon
“WASHINGTON — In January, the EPA recognizes National Radon Action Month and encourages Americans to test their homes for radon. Radon is an odorless, colorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when left unaddressed, can build up inside a home. Over time, exposure to radon can cause lung cancer. The only way to know if your home has high levels of radon is to test for it.”

For People With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lung Cancer is Something to Worry About
“A study of Veterans Health Administration patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) confirmed other research showing that RA is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and death from the death, especially among those with RA and interstitial lung disease. Corresponding author Bryant R. England, M.D., Ph.D., of the Department of Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System and University of Nebraska Medical Center and his colleagues, found that RA was associated with 58% greater risk of getting lung cancer compared with not having RA and that the increased risk was similar among those who never smoked. The lung cancer risk was three times among those with RA and interstitial lung disease, according to the results reported by England and his colleagues in the December 2024 issue of the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology.”

FDA Accepts New Drug Application For Taletrectinib in ROS1+ NSCLC
“Key Takeaways: Taletrectinib’s NDA is based on phase 2 TRUST-I and TRUST-II trials, showing significant efficacy in ROS1-positive NSCLC. The trials reported tumor shrinkage in 89% of TKI-naive and 56% of TKI-pretreated patients, with prolonged progression-free survival.”

Combining Liquid and Tissue Biopsies for Better Lung Cancer Care
“Edgardo S. Santos, MD, FACP, FASCO, discussed the barriers to precision medicine in lung cancer treatment, including patient concerns about technology understanding and insurance coverage, as well as the reliance on traditional tissue biopsies, emphasizing the benefits of combining liquid and tissue biopsies to improve treatment outcomes and clinical trial eligibility.”

Perioperative Pembrolizumab Regimen Upholds Survival Benefit in Resectable NSCLC
“Key Takeaways: Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy significantly improved 4-year OS and EFS in resectable early-stage NSCLC compared to chemotherapy alone. The pembrolizumab regimen showed a 27% reduction in mortality risk, with 4-year OS rates of 68.0% vs 56.7% for placebo.”

First Systemic Therapy Approved for Lung and Pancreatic Cancers With NRG1 Gene Fusions
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval to zenocutuzumab-zbco (Bizengri) for the treatment of adult patients with advanced, unresectable, or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or pancreatic adenocarcinoma that harbors a gene fusion involving neuregulin 1 (NRG1). The drug is approved for use following disease progression during or after prior systemic therapy. “

FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Trodelvy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: Trodelvy received Breakthrough Therapy designation for ES-SCLC after platinum-based chemotherapy, aiming to expedite its development and review. The phase 2 TROPiCS-03 study showed a 41.9% overall response rate for Trodelvy in ES-SCLC, with all responses being partial.”

MARIPOSA Trial Shows PFS Benefit With or Without CNS Disease in NSCLC
“During a Case-Based Roundtable® event, Joshua K. Sabari, MD, discussed the mechanism of action of amivantamab and the MARIPOSA trial in patients with EGFR-mutated non–small cell lung cancer in the first article of a 2-part series.”

Grammy Award-winning musician back on tour after beating lung cancer with UCI Health treatment
“ORANGE, Calif. (KABC) — After touring with Green Day for more than two decades, touring musician Jason Freese found himself stepping away from his passion to focus solely on beating lung cancer.”

AstraZeneca, Daiichi Sankyo withdraw EU application for lung cancer treatment
“AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo have withdrawn their marketing authorisation application in the European Union (EU) voluntarily, intended for datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd), to treat advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).”

Bridging the Gap: Telehealth Expands Access to Essential Palliative Care
“Palliative care plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for patients with cancer and has proven benefits for patients and their caregivers, especially when integrated early in the treatment course.”

How a Never-Wavering Enthusiasm Changed Lung Cancer Care for the Better
“As a female leader in a competitive oncology field, Solange Peters, MD, PhD, pushed through the barriers— climbed over them—and completely transformed lung cancer care with her collaborative spirit.”

70s sitcom icon Linda Lavin dies age 87 after lung cancer diagnosis
“Star of sitcom Alice and Broadway icon Linda Lavin has died aged 87, confirms her representatives. Lavin, who started her career as a child stage actor, died unexpectedly on December 29 from complications linked to her recent lung cancer diagnosis.”

FDA Grants Taletrectinib Priority Review for Advanced ROS1+ NSCLC
“The FDA has granted priority review to a new drug application for taletrectinib, an investigational next-generation ROS1 TKI, for the treatment of patients with advanced ROS1-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to a news release from the drug’s developer, Nuvation Bio.”

Nivolumab/CCRT Followed by Nivolumab/Ipilimumab Misses PFS End Point in Select Stage III NSCLC
“Key Takeaways – Nivolumab plus ipilimumab with CCRT did not significantly improve PFS over CCRT followed by durvalumab in stage III NSCLC. Median PFS and OS were comparable across treatment arms, with no new safety signals observed.”

The Evidence Gap: Immunotherapy Timing in Early-Stage NSCLC?
“Do patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) benefit from continuing immunotherapy beyond surgery? The short answer: Oncologists don’t know for sure.”

2 friends beat lung cancer, urge screening for the at-risk
“Even before their lung cancer surgeries at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, Garry Hoover and Gary Pippin had a lot in common.”

#HearHer campaign aims to increase awareness of lung cancer among women
“Key takeaways: The #HearHer campaign focuses on gender disparities in lung cancer diagnosis and clinical trial enrollment. Clinicians should take women’s concerns seriously and make use of imaging for early detection.”

FDA Approves New Drug for Advanced Lung Cancer
“Dec. 19, 2024 – The FDA has approved a new drug called ensartinib for adults with a type of lung cancer called ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Sold under the brand name Ensacove, this drug is now a first-choice treatment for people with this type of cancer. It is for patients whose cancer has either grown nearby or spread to other parts of the body and who haven’t been treated with an ALK-blocking drug before.”

After Lung Cancer Treatment, Radiation Pneumonitis Can Mimic Tumor Growth
“The treatment for lung cancer with the “Cyber Knife” (thoracic stereotactic body radiation therapy) went well, but six months later the patient notices something wrong with her breathing, and a new round of imaging shows a growing mass at the tumor site. Instead of cancer recurrence, close examination of the new imaging studies show that the mass is acute radiation pneumonitis, characterized by acutely inflamed tissue around the treatment site.”

Study reveals immune-modulatory mechanism of lurbinectedin in small-cell lung cancer
“Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have identified the mechanism of action of a treatment for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancers. Published this week in Cell Reports Medicine, the study reveals that the drug lurbinectedin, an approved second-line therapy for SCLC, activates the STING-IFN signaling pathway to enhance the immune response against tumors.”

Microplastics in the Air May Be Leading to Lung and Colon Cancers
“Tires and degrading garbage shed tiny pieces of plastic into the air, creating a form of air pollution that UC San Francisco researchers suspect may be causing respiratory and other illnesses. A review of some 3,000 studies implicates these particles in a variety of serious health problems. These include male and female infertility, colon cancer and poor lung function. The particles also may contribute to chronic pulmonary inflammation, which can increase the risk of lung cancer.”

AdventHealth Celebration Introduces New Intraoperative Molecular Imaging Process to Improve Accuracy of Lung Cancer Surgery
“Thoracic surgeon Colleen Gaughan, MD, and her team at AdventHealth Celebration, recently became one of the first in the country to incorporate targeted imaging agent Cytalux (pafolacianine) as part of a new intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) process designed to enhance the accuracy of lung cancer surgeries. This injectable medication, administered up to 24 hours before surgery, binds to cancerous tissue and glows when stimulated by a specialized intraoperative infrared camera, making it easier for the surgeon to accurately visualize and remove tumors while sparing healthy tissue.”

US FDA declines to approve injection form of J&J’s lung cancer drug
“Dec 16 (Reuters) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve an injectable version of Johnson & Johnson’s (JNJ.N), opens new tab drug Rybrevant for a type of lung cancer, the drugmaker said on Monday. The FDA’s so-called complete response letter was related to observations as part of a standard pre-approval inspection at a manufacturing facility, J&J said.”

Breathing New Life Into the Lung Cancer Pipeline
“The next two years may well see an explosion of FDA approvals for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with some of the drugs being first-in-class and/or best-in-class. If even a few of these agents make it through the regulatory gauntlet, clinicians will have a powerful new set of therapeutics to combat this challenging malignancy, a pharmaceutical industry analyst predicted at the NASP 2024 Annual Meeting & Expo, in Nashville, Tenn.”

NIH Debunks the Myth: Treatment Isn’t the Only Key to Reducing Cancer Deaths
“A study led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that improvements in cancer prevention and screening have prevented more deaths from five major cancer types over the past 45 years than advances in treatment. The findings were published on December 5, 2024, in JAMA Oncology.”

What Patients With NSCLC Say About Treatment-Related Toxicities, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
“It was important to conduct the research because TKIs are “usually well tolerated and used for a prolonged time, although experienced toxicity varies between patients,” and it is “unclear whether patients report all (low grade) toxicities and how these impact their daily lives.””

Cancer survivor’s wife writes book chronicling life saving ‘lungs-in-a-box’ technology
“LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — In April, Keith Zafren shared his cancer journey with LEX 18, chronicling a long battle with the disease before a risky lung transplant at Northwestern Medicine. Now, Zafren is going on a year and a half cancer free, and his wife Lori has written a book to help other families navigate lung cancer.”

Ten Years of Advances: The Story of an ALK-Positive Lung Cancer Survivor
“When Melanie Morrill turned 50 in August of 2014, she was excited to celebrate the milestone birthday and was looking forward to what the next decade would bring. Unfortunately, things changed quickly later that month after a visit to the Emergency Department. Melanie had been experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath and was treated for pneumonia and told to follow-up with her primary care doctor, which she did in September. From there she was referred to a pulmonologist for further testing and in November she received a diagnosis: ALK+ Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).”

Lung Cancer Patient Story: Multidisciplinary Expertise Backed by Cutting-edge Treatment
“”I always start my story with, ‘A funny thing happened on the way to Japan,'” said Flora McCoy-Greene. The then 67-year-old retiree was exploring a move from Massachusetts to Florida when she got a call from an international school in Japan. One of their teachers had fallen ill. The school’s director wanted to know if Flora could fill in for awhile. Flora had taught overseas before and was thrilled at the chance to do it again. But first, she would need to have a complete physical examination, as the school required. The ensuing exam included a chest X-ray. Flora’s primary care doctor reviewed the scan and concluded she might have lung cancer. She was shocked, as she had no symptoms. “I call the director of the school ‘John the Angel’ because had he not offered me the job, I wouldn’t have gotten the chest X-ray that saved my life,” Flora said.”

Radiology Partners study unearths 3 common barriers to lung cancer screening
“New research from Rad Partners practice affiliate Desert Radiology has unearthed three common barriers keeping patients from undergoing lung cancer screening. Numerous studies have charted poor adherence to low-dose CT, with uptake rates as low as 0.7% in some states. The Las Vegas-based practice and Mountain View Hospital aimed to better understand the reasons why. They administered a questionnaire to 300 high-risk patients in southern Nevada during their screening visits, sharing the results in Cancer Epidemiology. Absence of symptoms (38%), not wishing to know that they have cancer (30%) and lack of awareness about their eligibility for imaging (24%) were the top 3 answers, RP experts noted.”

Lung Cancer Drug Osimertinib Tied to Cardiac Events, Even in Low-Risk Patients
“The non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) drug osimertinib (Tagrisso) was associated with an increased risk of therapy-related cardiovascular (CV) events compared with older EGFR inhibitors, a retrospective cohort study from Taiwan found. In a matched analysis of 401 patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC, therapy-related CV events occurred in 14.9% of those who received the third-generation EGFR inhibitor over nearly 2 years of median follow-up, as compared with 4.4% of those treated with earlier-generation agents, reported Chien-Chung Lin, MD, PhD, of National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan, and colleagues.”

PROSPECT-Lung trial aims to improve treatment for patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer
“The highly anticipated PROSPECT-Lung trial has officially opened, marking a significant step forward in the quest to improve treatment strategies for patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer. The trial, which is the first to open through the newly formed National Cancer Institute (NCI) Clinical Trials Innovation Unit (CTIU), aims to evaluate the role of immunotherapy before and after surgery in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.”

Lung Cancer CT Screening May Help to Detect Coronary Artery Disease
“Lung cancer screening with low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) may be capable of identifying coronary artery calcium in patients without cardiac symptoms, according to a recent study published by Caires et al in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.”

Cancer Risk Declines in Old Age, New MSK Research Helps Explain Why
“When it comes to cancer, aging is a double-edged sword, researchers are increasingly learning. Age is considered the most important risk factor for cancer. That’s because genetic mutations build up in cells over years and decades, and ultimately drive the development of cancer. Now a study from researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and their collaborators provides new evidence about how advanced age can also be protective against cancer. The study, conducted in a mouse model of lung cancer, was published in Nature on December 4.”

FDA approves durvalumab for limited-stage small cell lung cancer
“On December 4, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved durvalumab (Imfinzi, AstraZeneca) for adults with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) whose disease has not progressed following concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy.”

Cambridge researchers develop urine test for early detection of lung cancer
“Cambridge scientists have developed a urine test for early detection of lung cancer. The test, the first of its kind, detects ‘zombie’ cells that could indicate the first signs of the disease.”

FDA Approves New Drug for Lung and Pancreatic Cancers
“The FDA has granted accelerated approval to zenocutuzumab, a new drug for adults with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or pancreatic cancer. The drug is the first comprehensive treatment approved for cancers with NRG1 fusion that have spread or that can’t be surgically removed and have worsened after previous treatments.”

Repurposed drug has promising efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer
“DALLAS – Dec. 09, 2024 – An FDA-approved drug used to treat multiple myeloma and lymphoma also shrank tumors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with KRAS mutations, a clinical trial led by UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers showed. The findings, published in Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, could lead to new treatments for a major subset of lung cancer patients.”

Incyte Announces Positive Results from Phase 3 Trial Evaluating Retifanlimab (Zynyz®) in Combination with Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“— Phase 3 POD1UM-304 trial met primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) and all secondary endpoints in patients with previously untreated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).”

Datopotamab deruxtecan granted breakthrough therapy designation in US for patients with previously treated advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer
“The FDA granted this BTD based on data from the TROPION-Lung05 Phase II trial with supporting data from the TROPION-Lung01 Phase III trial. Results from a pooled analysis of patients with previously treated EGFRm NSCLC in these studies were presented this month at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia 2024 Congress. This is the first BTD for datopotamab deruxtecan.”

Lung Cancer Research Foundation Announces 2024 Scientific Research Grant Awards
“NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Lung Cancer Research Foundation® (LCRF) is pleased to announce its 2024 Scientific Grant Program awards, funding $3.55 million in new research, the largest single-year investment in its history. This year’s grant cycle includes awards in the following areas: LCRF Leading-Edge Grant in Lung Cancer, LCRF Research Grant on Early Detection and Pre-Neoplasia in Lung Cancer, LCRF Research Grants on Understanding Resistance in Lung Cancer, LCRF Minority Career Development Award (CDA) for Lung Cancer, and the IASLC-LCRF Team Science Research Grant on the Next Step in the Cure of Oncogene-Driven Lung Cancers. Earlier this year, LCRF awarded the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative (ALCSI), led by Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, a $320,000 grant to conduct its “Plus One” screening initiative and research study.”

Study shows Nu.Q® Lung Cancer Test differentiated malignant and benign nodules found by Low Dose CT screening
“HENDERSON, Nev., Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX) (“Volition”), a multi-national epigenetics company, today announced the results of a large-scale study which shows that its Nu.Q® Cancer Test differentiated between malignant and benign pulmonary nodules, found by Low Dose CT (LDCT) scan, in patients suspected of lung cancer.”

India’s Air Pollution Linked to Rising Lung Cancer Cases in Non-Smokers
“India is set to observe National Pollution Control Day on December 2nd. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to air pollution can lead to lung cancer in non-smokers. They highlight that even healthy individuals are at risk due to frequent exposure to airborne toxins, especially in areas with poor air quality. Recent data shows a surge in lung cancer cases among non-smokers, with air pollution being a significant factor.”

Roche Records Setback in Phase III Study Of Two Lung Cancer Drugs
“BERLIN (Reuters) – A Roche study into using a combination of tiragolumab and tecentriq to treat a form of lung cancer in a phase III trial did not achieve the desired success, the Swiss pharmaceuticals maker said on Tuesday. The SKYSCRAPER-01 study “did not reach the primary endpoint of overall survival at the final analysis” in patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, it said.”

In the US, young and middle-aged women are being diagnosed with lung cancer at higher rates than men
“Susan Wojcicki, the late CEO of YouTube, had a message for the world just weeks before she passed. “Although lung cancer overall is decreasing because of declines in tobacco use, lung cancer among people who have never smoked has been rising significantly,” Wojcicki wrote in a YouTube blog that was posted Monday. Wojcicki, a tech pioneer who was one of Google’s earliest employees, died in August after living with lung cancer for two years. She was 56.”

Advances in small cell lung cancer classification
“Most patients with lung cancer have non-small cell lung cancer. However, around 15% of patients have a less-common type called small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer progresses more rapidly than non-small cell, so it’s often detected at later stages. While we’ve made big advances in treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, new treatment options for small cell lung cancer have historically been few and far between. But recent research in classifying subtypes of small cell lung cancer is bringing renewed hope for treatment advances.”

Study shows multidisciplinary lung nodule programs streamline detection of early-stage lung cancers
“IN THE NEWS: Lung nodule screening programs have been shown to be an effective way to increase the detection of early-stage lung cancers. UCI Health started its Lung Cancer Screening Program in 2018, followed by a multidisciplinary lung nodule initiative in 2020. UCI Health cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Hari B. Keshava led a study last year in which data from every patient screened in the lung cancer program between 2018-2022 was collected. Individuals who had nodules 7mm or greater were referred to the lung nodule program for additional scans, biopsies and possible treatment. As a result of the screening, 62% of patients received additional screening for possible lung cancer.

On 2 year ‘cancerversary,’ WTOP’s Neal Augenstein reflects on living with lung cancer
“Two years ago today I heard some news I hoped I wouldn’t hear — I had lung cancer.”

Metropolis Healthcare Unveils Key Insights From Seven-Year Lung Cancer Genomics Study
“In honour of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Metropolis Healthcare, a leading diagnostic chain in India, has shared key findings from a seven-year research study (2015-2021) that examined the molecular and clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer patients. The study analysed over 3,200 cases, shedding light on genetic alterations that are revolutionising lung cancer care through targeted therapies.”

Asthma or COPD: How Symptoms Could Mask Signs of Lung Cancer
“Certain chronic conditions that affect the lungs, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can have symptoms that mimic lung cancer. A recent study found that this could delay a timely lung cancer diagnosis. The study was published in the British Journal of Cancer.”

Back on Top: Gary Evans Climbing Mountains After Lung Cancer
“Nov. 22, 2024 | The view from the 1,011-foot summit of Pinnacle Mountain is spectacular, and Gary Evans does his best to get there as often as he can. But after a lung cancer diagnosis in January 2023, Evans wasn’t sure he would get to the top of his favorite mountain ever again. “I felt good about my health. I climbed Pinnacle just about every day, did yoga and my own yard work,” said Evans, who was 70 when he was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer.”

Associations of advanced lung cancer inflammation index with all-cause and respiratory disease mortality in adults with asthma: NHANES, 1999–2018
“The Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index (ALI) represents both the inflammatory and nutritional status of the host, but its link with mortality in asthma patients is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between ALI levels and all-cause and respiratory disease mortality in asthmatic patients.”

Impact of natremia on metastatic non small cell lung cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
“Our findings suggest that serum sodium levels < 140 mEq/L at baseline and initial assessment are independently associated with poorer PFS and OS in mNSCLC patients undergoing first-line treatment with ICIs.”

He’s a doctor studying why lung cancer rates are rising in Asian Americans with no smoking history. Now he’s also a patient.
“Dr. Bryant Lin, a Stanford University School of Medicine physician and professor, has never smoked, but in early May 2024, he received a life-altering diagnosis: stage IV lung cancer. Lung cancer rates have declined precipitously in the last several decades. But they’re rising among Asian Americans with no smoking history. Lin was aware of the concerning trend; it’s one of the emerging medical issues he’d hoped to facilitate a better understanding of when he founded Stanford’s Center for Asian Health Research and Education six years ago. “But I never would’ve thought that I would have this cancer,” Lin tells Yahoo Life, “or become the poster child for my center working on this cancer.”

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Future Treatment Landscape for EGFR-mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Panelist discusses how the future treatment landscape for EGFR-mutant advanced non–small cell lung cancer is evolving to address current unmet needs and offers clinical pearls to community oncologists for optimizing patient care in this rapidly changing field.”

News 12 health report inspired viewer to get lung cancer screening. It saved her life
“”I felt like it was haunting me. I said to my doctor, I feel like it’s essential, I’ve been smoking, I keep seeing it, please order it,” Deb Greco says.”

“State of Lung Cancer” Report Shows Need for Increased Screening Leading to Early Detection
“The American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report ranks Florida 17 out of 47 surveyed states for survival of lung cancer at 29.1%. The report also shows a 25.3% early diagnoses rate in the state. Specialists at Moffitt Cancer Center continue to emphasize the importance of screening for those at risk. “Despite the remarkable advances we have made in treating advanced-stage lung cancer with immunotherapy, targeted agents, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy and other innovative approaches, the most effective way of significantly increasing the cure rate of lung cancer is finding it early, when it is confined to the lung and potentially curable,” Lary Robinson, MD, director of Moffitt’s Lung Cancer Early Detection Center said.

New Report Reveals South Dakota Among Best in Nation for Early Diagnosed Lung Cancer Cases American Lung Association’s ‘State of Lung Cancer’ report examines lung cancer in South Dakota
“SIOUX FALLS – The American Lung Association released its 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report, which examines key indicators to highlight how the toll of lung cancer varies by state. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in South Dakota and across the U.S., but the report reveals positive news. The report finds South Dakota is ranked 10th in the nation for cases of lung cancer diagnosed at an early stage.”

Obesity-Specific improvement of lung cancer outcomes and immunotherapy efficacy with metformin
“Conclusions: Metformin may improve lung cancer-specific clinical outcomes in obese and overweight lung cancer patients and enhance immunotherapy efficacy in this growing population as well. This work identifies obesity as a potential predictive biomarker of metformin’s anticancer and immunotherapy-enhancing properties in lung cancer while shedding light on the underlying immunological phenomena.”

New Research Sheds Light on a Surprising Connection Between COVID-19 and Cancer Regression
“A new Northwestern Medicine study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation has revealed a connection between COVID-19 infection and cancer regression. The team’s discovery could pave the way for novel cancer treatments.”

FDA Approves Companion Diagnostic for Tepotinib in mNSCLC Harboring MET Exon 14 Skipping Alterations
“Key Takeaways: FoundationOne Liquid CDx is approved to identify mNSCLC patients with MET exon 14 skipping alterations for tepotinib treatment. The VISION trial demonstrated tepotinib’s efficacy, with notable overall response rates and progression-free survival in mNSCLC patients.”

State of Lung Cancer
“States must do more to protect their residents from lung cancer.”

‘Troubling’ data show lack of awareness about lung cancer screening
“Key takeaways: Over 80% of people at high risk for lung cancer were unaware of screening or had not discussed it with a doctor. Informational interventions in clinics and communities could improve screening awareness.”

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo submit BLA to FDA for lung cancer treatment “AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo have submitted a new biologics license application (BLA) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking accelerated approval for datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).”

New Cancer Vaccine May Boost Immunotherapy in Treating Lung Cancer
“Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of cases. While treatment advances have improved outcomes for some patients, advanced non-small cell lung cancer remains challenging to treat, especially when tumors have high levels of PD-L1, a protein that helps cancer evade immune defenses. Traditional chemotherapy approaches can have significant side effects, but newer immunotherapy treatments like pembrolizumab, which boosts the immune system’s ability to target and destroy cancer cells, have proved beneficial. However, they may not work for every patient.”

Single-fraction SBRT confers ‘surprisingly excellent’ outcomes for central lung tumors
“Key takeaways: Patients with central lung tumors treated with single-fraction radiation did not experience any grade 3 or higher adverse events. The approach resulted in local disease control for most trial participants.”

Less Than 1 In 5 Americans Who Are Eligible Are Getting Screened For Lung Cancer. Here’s Why
“Less than 20% (19.6%) of Americans who are eligible to get screened for lung cancer are getting the test they need, according to research published in JAMA Network Open. This is in stark contrast to 70-75% of Americans that get screened for other cancers through tests such as mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopies for colon cancer.”

Detecting Evidence of Lung Cancer in Exhaled Breath
“Exhaled breath contains chemical clues to what’s going on inside the body, including diseases like lung cancer. And devising ways to sense these compounds could help doctors provide early diagnoses — and improve patients’ prospects. In a study in ACS Sensors, researchers report developing ultrasensitive, nanoscale sensors that in small-scale tests distinguished a key change in the chemistry of the breath of people with lung cancer.”

Rest and Recuperation After a Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
“Key Takeaways: Rest and recuperation are essential after cancer treatment, even when remission is achieved, to prevent health issues. The COVID-19 pandemic added stress and responsibilities, complicating recovery for cancer survivors.”

Largest ever UK study reveals stark ethnic and social inequalities in lung cancer diagnosis
“The most comprehensive study ever conducted of lung cancer diagnosis in England has revealed significant disparities between ethnic groups and striking evidence that people living in the most deprived areas were diagnosed with lung cancer at twice the rate of those in affluent areas.”

Thousands of lung cancer cases detected in lorry clinics
“A lung-cancer screening programme that sees mobile clinics visit local communities in England has detected the disease earlier in more than 5,000 people. Specially adapted lorries have been visiting supermarkets, football grounds and town centres in areas with the highest rates of the disease, as part of the biggest initiative of its kind in NHS history.”

Researchers Find Lack of Communication for Lung Cancer Screenings Among High-Risk Individuals
“Less than 16% of high-risk lung cancer individuals have heard or discussed lung cancer screenings with a health care provider.”

Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2024
“Lung cancer is the most common cancer type and the most common cause of cancer death in the world. The most recent global estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) indicate that in 2022 almost 2.5 million people were diagnosed with lung cancer and more than 1.8 million people died from the disease. Lung cancer causes more than twice as many deaths as colorectal cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer death.”

“It Saved My Life:” Why Biomarker Testing is Vital
“John shares the story of his lung cancer diagnosis and how biomarker testing made all the difference.”

With smoking rates declining, so too are lung cancer deaths. For nonsmokers, the numbers tell a different story.
“November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which brings both good news and bad. On the one hand, overall rates of the disease — and deaths from it — have declined precipitously as smoking rates have plummeted. But, on the other hand, diagnoses are climbing among people who have never smoked.”

Circulating Tumor DNA Presence Associated With Consolidation Immunotherapy Outcomes in NSCLC
“For patients with inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), measuring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may help personalize the duration of consolidation immunotherapy, according to a recent analysis published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology.”

Perioperative Chemoimmunotherapy Shows Long-Term Benefits in Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways – Chemoimmunotherapy shows promising long-term benefits for resectable NSCLC, with 65% five-year progression-free survival and 69.3% overall survival. Protocol adherence significantly improves outcomes, with 75.4% progression-free survival and 78% overall survival in the per-protocol group.”