Lung Cancer Weekly News

Lung Cancer Research Foundation Announces Additional 2025 Scientific Research Grant Awards
“NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Lung Cancer Research Foundation® (LCRF) recently awarded five new research grants in the following areas: three LCRF Leading-Edge Research Awards, one LCRF Research Grant on Overcoming Resistance in Lung Cancer Award, and one LCRF Minority Career Development Award (CDA) for Lung Cancer. These awards are in addition to the fourteen research awards announced in early December 2025. Foundation funds five new research projects, bringing 2025 total to $5.2 million”

Broadening Frontline Options in EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: New Evidence From PAPILLON
“GFR exon 20 insertion (Ex20ins) mutations define a distinct molecular subset of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with historically limited responsiveness to conventional EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). While platinum-based chemotherapy has typically been the standard first-line (1L) option for these patients, evolving targeted strategies are reshaping expectations for efficacy and durability. The Phase III PAPILLON trial investigated the combination of an EGFR-MET bispecific antibody, amivantamab, with standard carboplatin–pemetrexed chemotherapy, probing progression-free survival (PFS) and meaningful end points like time to treatment discontinuation (TTD), time to subsequent therapy (TTST), and crossover-adjusted overall survival (OS) in the context of per-protocol crossover.”

Bayer’s Sevabertinib Lung-Cancer Drug Receives Therapy Designations in U.S., China
“Bayer received significant designations in the U.S. and China for its sevabertinib lung-cancer treatment. The German pharmaceutical and biotechnology company said Tuesday that the Food and Drug Administration and China’s Center for Drug Evaluation gave the drug the designations that would speed up the development of sevabertinib for first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic lung cancer.”

Intravenous Olvi-Vec Yields Responses in NSCLC and SCLC Following Progression
“Systemic intravenous administration of olvimulogene nanivacirepvec (Olvi-Vec) yielded positive preliminary results for patients with progressive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and progressive small cell lung cancer (SCLC) following progression on prior platinum-based regimens in 2 separate ongoing trials, according to a press release from the developer, Genelux Corporation.”

Guideline-Concordant Care Rate Roughly 60% After Positive Lung Cancer Screen in Older Adults
“HealthDay News — Among persons with a first positive lung cancer screening result at age 65 years or older, the rate of guideline-concordant care is 59.7 percent overall, according to a study published online Dec. 16 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.”

UK first in nation to treat small cell lung cancer patient with new immunotherapy
“In what could be a “game changer” someday for Kentuckians with small cell lung cancer, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center has treated the first patient in the country with a novel drug currently in the early stages of human trials. Markey is the first site to open a U.S. trial for ZG006 (Alveltamig), which has three “arms” (trispecific) to grab cancer cells and connect them to T cells, a type of white blood cells that are key in fighting pathogens and disease.”

Use of preoperative placement of mini-midline catheters in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung resection
“Preoperative mini-midline catheter placement streamlines preoperative workflow, reduces catheterization burden and complications, and improves the patient experience. These findings support its integration into standard preoperative care for thoracoscopic lung resection to enhance both clinical efficiency and patient-centered outcomes.”

Trethera Awarded $2.7M NIH Grant to Study Lung Cancer Drug Combination
“Los Angeles-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Trethera Corp. received a $2.7-million Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Institutes of Health. The grant will support research on combining its lead drug candidate, TRE-515, with KRAS inhibitor therapies to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).”

Biomarkers May Add to Clinical Criteria in Lung Cancer
“Two new lung cancer studies show promising potential biomarkers, one using circulating tumor cell count and the other a calcium ion (Ca2+)-independent cell adhesion molecule, to supplement current clinical criteria in certain lung cancer patients, according to presentations at the American Thoracic Society 2025 International Meeting​.”

Genmab ends lung cancer drug development
“Denmark’s Genmab has decided not to continue the development of a drug for cancer, acasunlimab, which had reached phase 3 testing, after a review of its medicines pipeline.”

Verastem nixes KRAS G12C plans in non-small cell lung cancer
“The emergence of next-generation KRAS G12C inhibitors has led Verastem Oncology to change course. The Boston biotech has decided to discontinue a phase 1/2 trial in advanced KRAS G12C-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following an interim data analysis.”

American Lung Association urges home testing for radon, second-leading cause of lung cancer
“FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – January is National Radon Action Month, and the American Lung Association is raising awareness of the potential health risks of radon and the importance of home testing. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the number one cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually in the U.S.”

2025 FDA Lung Cancer Approvals: Precision Medicine and Immunotherapy Advances
“The year 2025 has been a pivotal period for thoracic oncology, characterized by a series of landmark approvals from the FDA that further segment the treatment landscape of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The regulatory decisions this year have largely emphasized the role of precision medicine, with the introduction of novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting specific molecular alterations. Additionally, new strategies in the maintenance setting for SCLC have provided much-needed options for this aggressive disease.”

NCC identifies CREB, a key regulatory factor in lung cancer drug resistance
“The National Cancer Center (NCC) announced Monday that a research team led by Dr. Yoon Kyung-sil from the Cancer Metastasis Research Department has found that the protein CREB plays a key role in lung cancer drug resistance. CREB is a key regulator of resistance to platinum-based anticancer drugs used in chemotherapy for various cancers, including lung cancer, and elucidates their mechanism of action.”

FDA Clears Five-Minute Lung Cancer Shot, Redefining EGFR Treatment
“HORSHAM, PA — Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has won U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for RYBREVANT FASPRO, the first and only subcutaneous therapy for patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, marking a significant shift in how a leading lung cancer treatment is delivered. The approval allows RYBREVANT FASPRO to be used across all existing indications for RYBREVANT, replacing intravenous infusions that can take hours with a five-minute injection. The move sharply reduces treatment time and eases pressure on infusion centers while improving the patient experience.”

Advice for Patients Newly Diagnosed With Lung Cancer
“Establishing a support system is crucial for patients who are newly diagnosed with lung cancer, as an expert explained in a recent interview with CURE. CURE spoke with Patricia I. Moreno, who holds a Ph.D. and is a licensed clinical psychologist and lead of evidence-based survivorship and supportive care at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System.”

Blood test finds seven times more cancers than standard screenings
“Screening, diagnosing and curing cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages has become a welcome and regular occurrence for radiation oncologist Nima Nabavizadeh, M.D.. This has been made possible by a simple blood test that can not only detect more than 50 types of cancer, but also pinpoint where it’s coming from with striking accuracy.”

Redefining How to Communicate Treatment Options May Facilitate Equitable Clinical Trial Enrollment
“Clinical trials are an integral part of high-quality cancer care, providing patients with access to novel therapies and advancing treatment paradigms. To ensure the generalizability of the results and equitable access to cutting-edge treatments, it is crucial that the enrollment to clinical trials reflects the diversity of the broader patient population. Despite the passing of the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act of 1993, which mandated the inclusion of women and minorities in federally funded research, trial enrollment among underserved groups remains disproportionately low. With underrepresentation, findings from clinical trials may not be generalizable to all populations, thus limiting our understanding of how different groups may respond to treatments. Moreover, it may further contribute to inequitable care across different populations.”

Inflammation fuels one of the most aggressive forms of lung cancer
“A research team led by Professor Dr. Silvia von Karstedt (Translational Genomics, CECAD Cluster of Excellence on Aging Research, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne—CMMC) has discovered a novel mechanism used by this type of cancer that helps explain its aggressive nature. The study titled “Lack of Caspase 8 Directs Neuronal Progenitor-like reprogramming and Small Cell Lung Cancer Progression” is published in Nature Communications.”

A retrospective analysis of liver dysfunction and its risk factors in lung cancer patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy
“These findings highlight that approximately one-fifth of patients experienced hepatic toxicity during immune checkpoint blockade, with advanced age, alcohol intake, reduced functional status, PD-1 agent use, and multidrug protocols significantly elevating risk. Enhanced vigilance and personalized treatment strategies are essential to minimize toxicity and ensure safer immunotherapy delivery in vulnerable populations.”

Video:

Dr Sands on Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of LEMS in SCLC

Barry Manilow reveals he has lung cancer and will reschedule shows to undergo surgery
“Barry Manilow announced Monday that he has lung cancer and will reschedule his January shows to undergo surgery. The 82-year-old singer-songwriter revealed the diagnosis in a statement shared via Instagram on Monday. He said that he recently had bronchitis for two periods of multiple weeks, so his doctor ordered an MRI out of precaution.”

Update on LATIFY Phase III trial of ceralasertib plus Imfinzi in previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer
“The LATIFY Phase III trial of ceralasertib in combination with Imfinzi (durvalumab) did not meet the primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) versus standard-of-care docetaxel in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The trial evaluated patients without actionable genomic alterations (AGAs) whose disease progressed on or after prior immunotherapy and platinum-based chemotherapy.”

Brain metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer: crosstalk between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment components
“The majority of patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage, with a substantial proportion exhibiting signs of brain metastases (BMs). BM is associated with debilitating symptoms, including headaches, seizures and neurological or cognitive impairments, which severely impact the quality of life of patients.”

Lung cancer disparities in rural, persistent poverty counties: a secondary data analysis
“In the US, lung cancer burden is greater in counties that are either rural or in persistent poverty. This study examined lung cancer risk (e.g., smoking), incidence, and mortality across four county types defined by cross-classification of rurality and persistent poverty.”

Patient deaths put Merck, Daiichi’s ADC trial on partial hold
“The Food and Drug Administration has put a partial clinical hold on one of Merck & Co. and Daiichi Sankyo’s antibody-drug conjugates following an unexpected number of deaths in a late-stage clinical trial. Daiichi initiated a voluntary pause recruiting and enrolling the trial, called IDeate-Lung02, after “higher than anticipated incidence of grade 5 interstitial lung disease events,” a spokesperson for Merck and Daiichi said in a statement to BioPharma Dive. Following the pause, the FDA verbally placed the trial on a partial clinical hold in October. The spokesperson did not say the number of deaths recorded.”

US FDA grants priority vouchers to Merck’s cholesterol pill, cancer therapy
“Merck’s cancer therapy, sac-TMT, like other antibody-drug conjugates, is designed to deliver an anti-cancer drug more precisely to malignant cells, causing less damage to healthy tissues than chemotherapy.”

New Blood Test Detects Single Lung Cancer Cell
“FT-IR microspectroscopy blood test detected a single circulating tumor cell (CTC) in one patient with lung cancer, cytospun raw blood sample.”

Expanding the immunotherapy universe in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: from chemoimmunotherapy backbone to next-wave combinations
“This Review provides a comprehensive, evidence-based map of the evolving ES-SCLC immunotherapy combination landscape. We critically dissect competing therapeutic paradigms, juxtapose corroborative and contradictory data, and distill actionable insights for future trial design, biomarker development, and regulatory strategy.”

30-year smoking duration-based criteria could increase lung cancer screening
“Thirty-year smoking duration-based criteria could reduce eligibility gaps for all races relative to whites, while improving six-year lung cancer detection sensitivity, according to a study published online Dec. 16 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.”

Multidisciplinary Screening Program Dramatically Improves Lung Cancer Detection
“Lung cancer screening rates more than doubled to reach 71.6% after the launch of a coordinated lung cancer screening program in the UR Medicine primary care network in Rochester, New York. Researchers reported on the program in NEJM Catalyst. “My hope is that by sharing our success, others will be able to adopt and build upon what we’re doing to screen more patients and save more lives nationwide,” said corresponding author Robert Fortuna, MD, MPH, a professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), Rochester, New York, in a news release.”

Study finds a new protein target against KRAS-driven non-small cell lung cancer
“In a study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, University of Michigan researchers found a new protein target and developed a drug to treat non-small cell lung cancers that have KRAS mutations.”

OncoPrism-NSCLC Test Predicts Key Clinical Outcomes in Lung Cancer
“Results from the observational PREDAPT trial (NCT04510129) supported the utility of the OncoPrism-non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) test, a clinical tool to identify which patients with late-stage NSCLC are most likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, according to a press release from the developer, Cofactor Genomics.”

Enlighten Me: ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute delivers lung cancer treatment breakthrough
“The breakthrough reverses chemotherapy resistance, and the hope is this research will help develop the same results for other cancers in the future.”

Facing Lung Cancer Together: A Patient and Care Partner Share Their Journey
“Key Takeaways: Early detection and clinical trials are pivotal in managing small cell lung cancer, as highlighted by Wendy’s experience. A robust support system, including family and healthcare professionals, is crucial in navigating the complexities of cancer diagnosis and treatment.”

Lung Cancer Screening Rates Improved With Targeting Mammography Participants
“Researchers found that 1569 (4.9%) of the 32,165 mammography participants reviewed were confirmed eligible for lung cancer screening (LCS) with chart review; 69% of the 1569 had not previously undergone LCS.”

Emory Healthcare launches new Lung Screening and Nodule Program
“Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is advancing its commitment to reducing lung cancer deaths across Georgia with the launch of the Emory Healthcare Lung Screening and Nodule Program on Dec. 15, 2025. This new program focuses on early detection and treatment of lung cancer through low-dose lung screening CT and AI-assisted recognition of incidentally found pulmonary nodules.”

Positive lung cancer screens frequently receive suboptimal follow-up
“1. In this retrospective cohort study, most patients with a positive lung cancer screening result received guideline-concordant follow-up, though nearly one-third received less-than-recommended care. 2. Invasive procedures were performed in a small proportion of patients who did not ultimately receive a lung cancer diagnosis.”

Experts hail ‘paradigm shift’ in lung cancer treatment
“A groundbreaking robotic-assisted procedure for lung cancer diagnosis has been trialled in the UK, enabling doctors to make microscopic movements within the lungs. This technology is expected to make lung cancer screening more effective by eliminating the need for months-long repeat scans for small nodules, allowing for quicker and more decisive action.”

NIH-led study reveals role of mobile DNA elements in lung cancer progression
“December 10, 2025 – Using lung cancer biospecimens from the Sherlock-Lung study, an international team led by National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers, identified key factors that drive tumor evolution and influence outcomes. Overall, the findings, published Dec. 10, 2025, in Nature, describe a previously unknown origin of some aggressive lung cancers.”

Governor signs law requiring insurers to cover all lung cancer screening services
“New York state recently finalized legislation requiring health insurers to cover all lung cancer screening services with no patient cost-sharing, drawing praise from radiologists. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) formally signed S2000A/A1195A into law on Dec. 4, with it set to take effect in 2027. The bill requires payers to provide coverage for any follow-up screening or diagnostic services after an abnormal initial low-dose CT scan, while also prohibiting out-of-pocket charges.”

GSK’227, a B7-H3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate, granted Orphan Drug Designation in small-cell lung cancer by the US FDA
“GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced that its B7-H3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate GSK’227, now referred to by its International Nonproprietary Name, risvutatug rezetecan, has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The ODD was supported by preliminary clinical data showing durable responses in patients with extensive stage SCLC (ES-SCLC) who were treated with risvutatug rezetecan in the phase I ARTEMIS-001 clinical trial.”

Secondary cancers outside the chest emerge late for many lung cancer survivors, MSKCC study finds
“Key Takeaways: Lung cancer survivors face increased risk of non-lung secondary cancers, necessitating broader follow-up care beyond the lungs. Study found 23.4% of survivors developed new cancers, with 7.9% experiencing secondary cancers outside the chest.”

Timing of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Administration Affects Small Cell Lung Cancer Survival
“HealthDay News — For patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), administration of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy earlier in the day is associated with improved survival, according to a study published online December 8 in Cancer.”

RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) plus LAZCLUZE® (lazertinib) delivers statistically significant and clinic ally meaningful improvement in overall survival benefit for Asian patients withEGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer in the Phase 3 MARIPOSA study
“First and only chemotherapy-free combination in the first-line setting to demonstrate an overall survival benefit versus osimertinib among Asian patients. Median overall survival not yet reached and is projected to exceed four years, which would surpass osimertinib monotherapy by more than one year.”

BioNTech’s CTLA-4 drug improves survival in phase 3 cancer trial but poses tolerability challenge
“A closer look at phase 3 data on BioNTech and OncoC4’s anti-CTLA-4 antibody has shown the efficacy that excited analysts last week is offset by a challenging tolerability profile.”

US approves oral drug for adults with rare type of lung cancer after early clinical trials globally
“The FDA has granted accelerated approval to sevabertinib, an oral drug, for HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after prior treatment. Phase 1/2 trials showed sevabertinib’s efficacy, particularly in previously untreated patients, with manageable safety, offering a new precision treatment option. Further studies are required to confirm the data for full FDA approval, addressing an unmet need for effective therapies for this aggressive form of lung cancer.”

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ATS Breathe Easy – Delving into the Research on Lung Cancer in People Who Have Not Smoked
“Lung cancer is commonly associated with smoking. However, among people diagnosed with lung cancer, the proportion who have never smoked has been increasing, and there are many reasons why a person who has never smoked may develop this disease. Lori Sakoda, PhD, MPH, ATSF, a research scientist and epidemiologist at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, explains what factors may come into play, what the ongoing research shows, and what knowledge gaps exist on this topic. Patti Tripathi hosts.”

Dietary Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, and Risk of Lung Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study
“CONCLUSIONS These findings show that high dietary GI is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, NSCLC, and SCLC, whereas GL is inversely associated with the risk of lung cancer and NSCLC.”

Missing cancer gene may boost response to immunotherapy
“For some patients with the most common type of lung cancer, known as lung adenocarcinoma, there’s new hope. In a new study published in Cell Reports, Mayo Clinic researchers have found several previously unknown genetic and cellular processes that occur in lung adenocarcinoma tumors that respond well to immunotherapy.”

Understanding Minimally Invasive Lung Cancer Care Advancements
“Dr. Daniel J. Boffa, professor and division chief of Thoracic Surgery at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, sat down with CURE to discuss the evolving landscape of lung cancer treatment. In the interview, he highlights major advancements that are transforming patient care, including the role of minimally invasive surgical techniques that preserve lung function and new systemic therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy. These innovations are enabling more precise treatments and personalized approaches to improve outcomes while minimizing side effects for patients with lung cancer.”

FDA grants traditional approval to tarlatamab-dlle for extensive stage small cell lung cancer
“On November 19, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration granted traditional approval to tarlatamab-dlle (Imdelltra, Amgen Inc.) for adults with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Tarlatamab-dlle received accelerated approval for this indication in 2024.”

FDA grants accelerated approval to sevabertinib for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer
“On November 19, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to sevabertinib (Hyrnuo, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.), a kinase inhibitor, for adults with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have HER2 (ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) activating mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy.

FDA also approved the Oncomine Dx Target Test (Life Technologies Corporation) as a companion diagnostic device to aid in detecting HER2 (ERBB2) TKD activating mutations in patients with non-squamous NSCLC who may be eligible for treatment with sevabertinib.”

Age-Based Screening for Lung Cancer Surveillance in the US
“Meaning  These findings suggest that current screening guidelines miss most patients with lung cancer, and age-based screening could improve detection and cost-effectiveness while reducing disparities.”

Data from Genprex’s Acclaim-1 Phase 1 Gene Therapy Clinical Trial Published in Clinical Lung Cancer
“AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Genprex, Inc. (“Genprex” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes, today announced the publication of data from its Acclaim-1 Phase 1 clinical trial of Reqorsa® Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid) in combination with Tagrisso® (osimertinib) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Lung Cancer.”

Breath-based lung cancer detection using an ML-driven low-cost sensor array
“Our system outperforms existing e-nose detection methods by more than 5% and is capable of classifying in approximately 5 minutes. These findings highlight the potential of this breath analyzer system as a rapid and cost-effective tool for preliminary lung cancer screening.”

The Incidence, Severity and Risk Factors of Renal Injury in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Osimertinib Therapy: A Real-World Study
“Conclusions: This study demonstrates that renal injury is not rare in lung cancer patients treated with osimertinib, particularly in patients aged ≥ 60 years or with pre-existing renal injury. Although most cases are reversible, regular monitoring of renal function is strongly recommended for these patients.”

Visugromab Plus Nivolumab Shows Durable Response in Refractory Tumors
“Key Takeaways: Visugromab combined with nivolumab showed a median duration of response exceeding two years in refractory NSCLC, UC, and HCC patients. GDF-15 is a therapeutic target and immune escape mechanism, contributing to checkpoint inhibitor resistance and cancer cachexia.”

Blood-Based Screening Test May Increase Preclinical Lung Cancer Detection
“Results from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST; NCT00047385) revealed that the Mercy Halo blood-based lung screening test displayed a significant improvement in the detection of early-stage preclinical lung cancer, especially among patients at an elevated risk who were not currently engaged in low-dose CT screening programs, according to a news release from the developer, Mercy BioAnalytics.”

Adherence to Posttreatment Surveillance Guidelines in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Retrospective Cohort Study
“Conclusions: In this unique application of a competing risks framework, the rate of guideline-concordant surveillance in this national cohort was lower than that reported in many previous studies. This finding highlights a potentially substantial gap in surveillance among eligible, asymptomatic lung cancer survivors. More strategies are needed to measure the true rate of guideline-concordant surveillance, along with education and advocacy to ensure guideline-concordant care.”

What the Data Show: Lung Cancer Down, Youth Vaping Down, Inequities Up
“While there has been some advancement in tobacco prevention and control efforts, tobacco-related disparities persist. These disparities do not reflect individual choices. They reflect long-standing inequities in access to quality health care, early detection, and treatment. Communities of color, particularly Black residents, have faced decades of underinvestment, limited access to preventive services, higher exposure to predatory tobacco marketing, and environmental stressors that increase their risk of morbidity and mortality. These inequities require a comprehensive approach that includes equitable access to lung cancer screening and treatment, access to evidence-based tobacco cessation resources, and tobacco prevention education for those at higher risk.”

Researchers engineer a novel technique for guiding endoscopes to deep lung tumors
“Researchers at The University of Osaka have engineered a novel technique, Balloon-Assisted Bronchoscope Delivery (BDBD), to guide endoscopes to small, early-stage lung cancers hidden deep within the periphery of the lungs. By using a small balloon to gently widen the airways, this innovative method overcomes the physical limitations of conventional bronchoscopy, promising to revolutionize both the accuracy of early diagnosis and the potential for minimally invasive treatment.”

A mild symptom was bothering a young dad. He had Stage IV lung cancer.
“Endurance athlete Kevin Humphrey was used to discomfort. He regularly participated in ultramarathons and other intense events. Swimming, biking and running dozens of miles at a time was standard for him. His two young sons also kept him active even when he wasn’t training. But in January 2024, a persistent back pain kept bothering him.”

Atezolizumab/Vaccine Combo May Show Long-Term Survival in ES-SCLC
“Combining dendritic cell (DC) vaccination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq) produced long-term survival in a small cohort of patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), according to findings from a phase 1b/2 trial (NCT04487756) presented in a poster session at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer 2025 Annual Meeting.”

The role of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mediated by immune cells on lung adenocarcinoma: A two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization study
“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly co-occurs with lung cancer, particularly lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), suggesting a potential shared molecular mechanism and risk factors between the 2 conditions. This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between COPD and LUAD mediated by immune cells using a 2-step, 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.”

Organ-based tumor distribution for predicting prognosis in small-cell lung cancer using fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography
“To validate and compare conventional metabolic tumor burden measurements with comprehensive metabolic tumor distribution patterns using [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) to predict small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) prognosis.”

Aging represses oncogenic KRAS-driven lung tumorigenesis and alters tumor suppression
“Most cancers are diagnosed in people over 60 years of age, but little is known about how age impacts tumorigenesis. While aging is accompanied by mutation accumulation (widely understood to contribute to cancer risk) it is associated with numerous other cellular and molecular changes likely to impact tumorigenesis. Moreover, cancer incidence decreases in the oldest part of the population, suggesting that very old age may reduce carcinogenesis.”

The lung cancer-associated blood biomarker hPG80 exhibits a reversible increase in response to smoking in asymptomatic individuals
“The blood biomarker hPG80 is linked to multiple solid tumors, including lung cancer. This study examined blood hPG80 levels of asymptomatic individuals and patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), categorized by their smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) status.”

Navigating the landscape of EGFR TKI resistance in EGFR-mutant NSCLC — mechanisms and evolving treatment approaches
“Resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remains a major obstacle in the clinical management of EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the transformative therapeutic activity of the multiple iterations of EGFR TKIs, spanning from first-generation reversible inhibitors such as erlotinib and gefitinib to the current standard-of-care third-generation covalent inhibitor osimertinib, primary or acquired resistance to these agents inevitably emerges via diverse mechanisms.”

Arkansas’s Lung Cancer Rate Among Highest in U.S., 2025 Report Finds
“The 2025 “State of Lung Cancer” report finds that Arkansas’s rate of new lung cancer cases is 68.2 cases per 100,000 people. Arkansas is ranked 47th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for this measure; in this and all other measures, the No. 1 state has the best rate and the No. 51 state has the worst. Arkansas’s rate of new cases is significantly higher than the national rate of 52.8 cases per 100,000 people.”

‘An Incredible Response’: A Clinical Trial at the CU Cancer Center Successfully Treated Jennifer Brown’s Stage IV Lung Cancer
“Tejas Patil, MD, enrolled Brown in the trial of the drug that shrank her liver metastases by 50% within weeks.”

The world’s first trial of a vaccine to prevent lung cancer
“In a world-first clinical trial, our scientists will begin testing an experimental vaccine designed to prevent lung cancer in people at high risk of the disease.”

Targeting Inflammation Could Halt Lung Cancer Before It Starts
“By creating high-resolution cellular and molecular visual maps of lung cancer before and during development, researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that the earliest stages of lung cancer may be driven by inflammation, suggesting that targeting proinflammatory pathways could be an early intervention approach.”

Boehringer awarded FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher for zongertinib in patients with HER2-mutant NSCLC
“Boehringer Ingelheim today confirmed that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded a Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) to zongertinib for the treatment of patients with HER2 (ERBB2)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).  This recognition underscores the potential of zongertinib to meet critical patient needs for this rare and aggressive cancer.”

Synthekine reports initial STK-012 data in lung cancer trial
“The therapy, when combined with SoC PCT, exhibited encouraging efficacy and safety outcomes.”

Eosinophilia Linked With Immune-Related Adverse Events in NSCLC Treatment
“Key Takeaways: Pretreatment eosinophilia in NSCLC patients is associated with increased immune-related adverse events and reduced progression-free survival when treated with ICIs. The review included 11 retrospective cohort studies with 14,095 individuals, highlighting eosinophilia as a potential prognostic biomarker.”

LUNGevity Foundation Launches 2025 Lung Cancer Awareness Month with 60,000 White Flags on the National Mall in Washington DC
“WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This November, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM), LUNGevity Foundation will lead a nationwide effort to spotlight the urgent need for early detection and disease management, research funding, and equitable access to care for people impacted by lung cancer. On Saturday, November 1, LUNGevity, along with passionate volunteers, planted 60,000 white flags across the National Mall in Washington, D.C., representing the 120,000 Americans who die from lung cancer each year. The installation serves as both a solemn memorial and a powerful call to action, underscoring the devastating human cost of low screening rates, underfunded research, and lack of access to care.”

American Cancer Society Releases Pioneering U.S. Tobacco Atlas: Cigarette Smoking Declining, but Lung Cancer Screening Subpar
“Newswise — ATLANTA, November 3, 2025 — The American Cancer Society (ACS) today announced the inaugural release of The U.S. Tobacco Atlas, a fact-based, digital scientific resource offering comprehensive data and insights on tobacco use, control policies, and their impact nationwide.”

Frozen section pathology enhances intraoperative decision-making in early-stage lung cancer surgery
“Surgery is the standard of care for curative treatment of early-stage lung cancer. The increasing detection of stage 1 disease through screening programs means more patients are eligible for less extensive procedures, such as wedge resection or segmentectomy, rather than traditional lobectomy. Ensuring complete tumor removal along with accurate lymph node staging is critical for curative intent and long-term outcomes.”

Why Lung Cancer Screening Remains Underused, And How The USPSTF Meeting Cancellation Could Make It Worse
“Lung cancer screening remains strikingly underused, with reported screening rates as low as 16% according to the American Lung Association. This means less than 1 in 5 individuals who are eligible to get a low-dose CT scan, the screening test for lung cancer, are actually getting the test. This statistic is worrisome since lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women.”

October 2025: A Look at FDA Oncology Approvals and Designations
“Key Takeaways: October 2025 saw key FDA approvals and designations, expanding treatment options for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. New combination therapies and adjuvant treatments were approved for small cell lung cancer and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.”

White Ribbon Project holds annual Fall Fest to inform about the dangers of lung cancer
“EVANS, Ga. (WFXG) – On Saturday, representatives from the Georgia Cancer Center, the Medical College of Georgia’s Oncology Interest Group, and The White Ribbon Project joined other health officials at the Evans Walmart for the fourth annual White Ribbon Fall Fest.”

Even with Stage IV Lung Cancer, Longtime Flight Attendant Is Still Traveling the World
“After being diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, longtime flight attendant Glenda Moore is more determined than ever to live life to the fullest and advocate for lung cancer screening awareness.”

How a broken limb led to a non-smoker’s lung cancer diagnosis a decade later
“Leslie Stoll developed a blood clot that led to a pulmonary embolism after she broke her leg in 2014. The embolism was treated, but another occurred when Stoll had surgery on her foot years later.”

Studies identify complementary approaches to overcome drug resistance in KRAS G12C–mutant lung cancer
“Key findings: Tumors treated with KRAS G12C inhibitors often reactivate RAS signaling through multiple resistance mechanisms. RAS(ON) inhibitors including RMC-7977 can block both mutant and wildtype RAS, shutting down these escape routes. Resistance is also accompanied by increased sensitivity to CDK12/13 inhibitors, which disrupt DNA repair and induce mitotic arrest. KRAS and CDK12/13 inhibitor co-treatment delayed resistance and could overcome RAS-independent, EMT-driven resistance mechanism. These studies offer a preclinical roadmap for new clinical trials aimed at extending the durability of KRAS-targeted therapy.”

Global burden of lung cancer attributable to occupational asbestos exposure: 1990 to 2021
“We found, for the first time, that a complete ban on asbestos with a lag time of 25 years could effectively reduce lung cancer incidence along with asbestos-related deaths and DALYs. These findings underscore the urgent need for a complete ban on asbestos (especially chrysotile).”

Stanford professor denied treatment for stage 4 cancer, partially re-approved following viral post
“When medical school professor Bryant Lin founded the Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education, he wanted to advance research on diseases that disproportionately affect Asian populations, such as nonsmoker lung cancer. What he didn’t expect was for himself to become a prime example of the phenomenon.”

Governor Stein Proclaims Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung Association Steps Up with $22 Million in Research Funding as Federal Support for Science Wavers
“Today, the American Lung Association Research Institute announced it has invested $22 million in new research grants, clinical research and strategic partnerships to advance the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of lung disease. Research is vital to the American Lung Association’s mission to prevent lung disease and lung cancer, and to improve the lives of the 35 million people in the U.S. living with chronic lung disease.”

What Drives Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers?
“TOPLINE: A comprehensive review of 92 studies found that 15% to 20% of lung cancers occurred among nonsmokers and were associated with environmental and germline risk factors. These cancers frequently harbored actionable genomic drivers, and targeted EGFR and ALK therapies produced significant disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival benefits.”

Of Corn and Cancer: Iowa’s Deadly Water Crisis
“All that feed corn and all those soybeans—and those nearly 25 million hogs—produce a lot of nitrate. It’s making Iowans sick and causing them to die. And the politicians aren’t doing a thing about it.”

The New Lung Cancer Divide: Rural, Low-Income Young Adults Left Behind
“A sweeping U.S. analysis of 18,595 people aged 18–50 diagnosed with early-onset non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a blunt message: outcomes hinge not only on tumor biology but on where you live, what you earn, and how fast you receive care. More than half of these young adults—53.4%—were already at Stage IV when doctors first met them, a late presentation that sets survival on a steep downhill path from day one. The work, published October 13, 2025, in JAMA Network Open, reframes lung cancer in the young as a social and systems problem as much as a clinical one.”

American Lung Association Launches Campaign to Educate People Living With Lung Cancer and Lung Disease About Critical Vaccines
“Today, the American Lung Association launched a new campaign aimed at educating the public on the importance of staying up to date on recommended vaccinations for the upcoming respiratory virus season. This guidance is especially critical for the more than 35 million people in the United States living with chronic lung disease and the 235,000 people diagnosed with lung cancer each year, who are at higher risk for severe illness.”

HIV and lung cancer: a single cancer center experience
“Our cohort showed more advanced disease at presentation, younger age at diagnosis, and poor OS despite most patients having undetectable HIV viral loads on antiviral therapy, suggesting a link between well-controlled HIV and aggressive LC that warrants further study.”

USC Nursing research helps lung cancer patients live better, longer
“At the university’s Cancer Survivorship Research Center, nurse scientists are leading innovative studies to help people living with and beyond lung cancer better manage symptoms, maintain treatment, and enhance their quality of life.”

Wait times between lung cancer diagnosis and surgery: national trends, disparities, and impact on long-term survival
“Conclusions: Wait times exceeding 4 weeks between lung cancer diagnosis and surgery for stage I and II NSCLC are increasingly common, particularly among non-Hispanic Black patients, and are associated with worse long-term survival. Reducing time between cancer diagnosis and surgery may represent a therapeutic target to mitigate healthcare disparities.”

Team’s Biosensor Technology May Lead to Breath Test for Lung Cancer
“University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed biosensor technology that when combined with artificial intelligence (AI) shows promise for detecting lung cancer through breath analysis. The electrochemical biosensor identifies eight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are potential biomarkers for thoracic cancers, which include lung and esophageal cancers. AI then analyzes the biochemical characteristics of the compounds to determine whether they are a match to those linked to various thoracic cancers.”

Online Program Increases Lung Cancer Screening Rates
“Key Takeaways: An online program improved lung cancer screening rates. The program offered an online educational video and a tool to weigh risks and benefits. Nearly 25% of patients assigned the program got a CT scan, compared to 17% of patients referred to their doctors.”

Actinium Announces Superior Anti-Tumor Activity of ATNM-400 in Lung Cancer Compared to the Leading First, Second and Third-Line Approved EGFR Mutant Therapies and Mechanistic Synergy with Osimertinib at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics
“ATNM-400 exhibits superior efficacy with 3-5x greater tumor growth inhibition compared to front line therapy osimertinib (EGFR TKI TAGRISSO®), second line therapy Dato-DXd (Trop-2 ADC DATROWAY®) and third line therapy amivantamab (EGFR-cMET bispecific RYBREVANT®). Combination of ATNM-400 and osimertinib resulted in complete tumor regression in 100% of tumor bearing animals; synergistic mechanism supported by increased ATNM-400 target antigen expression after EGFR inhibition with Osimertinib. Improved progression free survival has been demonstrated clinically with the combination of osimertinib and external beam radiotherapy providing strong rationale for a combination with targeted alpha-therapy. Data validates the multi-tumor potential of ATNM-400 in multiple disease and treatment settings that support several blockbuster drugs.”

Administration of statins is correlated with favourable prognosis in lung cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
“Conclusion: Statin use was significantly correlated with improved prognosis in lung cancer patients receiving ICIs. Statins may enhance ICI efficacy partly through RORA. Due to study limitations, the actual role of statins and their target genes in anti-cancer immunity needs further investigations.”

Sarcomatoid Lung Carcinoma Successfully Treated With Combined Cytotoxic Chemotherapy and Anti-Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (Anti-PD-L1) Antibodies
“Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare, aggressive subtype of non-small-cell lung cancer with a poor prognosis and no established standard therapy for advanced disease. We report the case of a 68-year-old man with stage IVB pleomorphic carcinoma whose tumor expressed programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) with a tumor proportion score of 25%. The patient received four cycles of first-line therapy combining atezolizumab with carboplatin and paclitaxel. This treatment resulted in a significant partial response, with marked shrinkage of the primary tumor and metastatic lesions. This case suggests that the combination of an anti-PD-L1 antibody and platinum-based chemotherapy is a promising and effective therapeutic strategy for this challenging malignancy.”

Eosinophils as predictive biomarkers in anti-programmed cell death 1 monotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer
“The relationship between eosinophilia and cancer development has recently been investigated. However, the role of eosinophils in tumor immunity, particularly in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, remains poorly understood.”

Personalized cancer vaccines: A new frontier in lung cancer treatment and prevention
“Despite declining tobacco use, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. As oncologists seek more-effective and individualized therapies, Mayo Clinic researchers are advancing a promising frontier: cancer vaccines. These immunotherapies are designed not only to treat existing disease but also to prevent recurrence and, potentially, primary onset in high-risk populations.”

Pfizer’s BRAFTOVI® + MEKTOVI® Shows Sustained Long-Term Survival in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer
“BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI continued to show a substantial median overall survival benefit of 47.6 months in treatment-naïve patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after approximately four years. Results from the Phase 2 PHAROS trial potentially establish new benchmark with targeted combination therapies for this patient population.”

Addressing Drug Resistance in Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: Drug resistance in lung cancer arises from pre-existing resistant clones and drug-tolerant states, complicating treatment strategies. Combination therapies and advanced inhibitors can preemptively address resistance pathways, improving response rates in targeted therapies.”

Tarlatamab Improves Survival Vs Chemotherapy in Second-Line SCLC Subgroups
“Treatment with tarlatamab-dlle (Imdelltra) improved overall survival (OS) vs chemotherapy among patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) regardless of chemotherapy-free intervals (CFIs) or prior receipt of anti–PD-(L)1 therapy, according to data from the phase 3 DeLLphi-304 trial (NCT05740566) presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2025.”

Osimertinib plus chemotherapy improves survival in EGFR-mutated lung cancer
“Treatment with osimertinib plus a platinum–pemetrexed chemotherapy combination resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to osimertinib alone.”

New Exosomal Proteins Uncovered as Lung Cancer Biomarkers
“In a groundbreaking study that promises to revolutionize the early detection of lung cancer, Feng et al. have unveiled a set of novel exosomal protein biomarkers. These biomarkers emerged from an extensive proteomic profiling approach, specifically devised to enhance diagnostic capabilities.”

First-Line Alectinib Yields Clinically Meaningful OS Benefit in Advanced ALK+ NSCLC
“Key Takeaways: Alectinib improved overall survival in advanced ALK-positive NSCLC compared to crizotinib, though results were not statistically significant. Patients with CNS metastases who received radiation showed the most benefit from alectinib.”

ESMO 2025: Oral drug demonstrates promising anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced lung cancer
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with up to 4% of non-small cell lung cancer cases having a HER2 gene mutation. Sevabertinib is an oral drug targeting HER2 mutations that shrinks tumors in advanced lung cancer patients, with minimal side effects. FDA granted priority review for sevabertinib, and results of this study will help inform the decision.”

New drug shows dramatic effect in shrinking lung cancer tumours
“A trial testing the drug zongertinib as a first treatment for people with advanced lung cancer who have a HER2 genetic mutation shows it can eradicate tumours in some patients while reducing their size in others.”

Most lung cancer is diagnosed at Stage 4: How Md. health system catches 40% at Stage 1
“Frederick Health Medical Group, in Frederick, Maryland, identifies lung cancer early by investigating tiny clues, which enables patients to get to cancer specialists earlier in the process, according to a doctor with the group.”

New Mobile Lung Cancer Screening Unit Launches to Improve Access to Care for New Yorkers
“A state-of-the-art health screening van launched this month is bringing advanced imaging technology and health education directly to New Yorkers who are at the greatest risk of developing lung cancer. The initiative — a collaboration between Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian, the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine — is designed to make early lung cancer detection more accessible and equitable.”