Lung Cancer Weekly News

Duke researchers discover new origin of small cell lung cancer in study
“DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Small cell lung cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of lung cancer commonly associated with smoking. Now, researchers at Duke Health have uncovered a surprising new origin of the disease. Inside the lab, Duke scientists developed advanced models to trace how tumor cells evolve and how they might be stopped before the cancer spreads.”

Common Medications Linked to Worse Survival in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Keytruda
“Use of certain antibiotics, steroids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) at the start of immunotherapy was associated with shorter survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to a nationwide cohort study from France published Sept. 10, 2025, in JAMA Network Open.”

A breath of hope: Cross-country journey will shine spotlight on lung cancer
“HIGH POINT — Dusty Donaldson will never forget the four words that changed her life two decades ago: “You have lung cancer.” The 71-year-old High Point woman remembers the shock. She remembers the fear. She remembers the depth of her ignorance about lung cancer and — once she began to learn — the sense of hopelessness that enveloped her. “At the time, I didn’t know lung cancer was the number-one cancer killer,” Donaldson says. “Like everyone else, I assumed it was breast cancer, but I was wrong. And I was shocked at the mortality rate for lung cancer — there was only a 15% survival rate at that time, so that’s an 85% mortality rate.” Twenty years later, though, Donaldson is cancer-free and is recognized as one of the nation’s most fiercely passionate advocates for lung cancer patients, dispensing knowledge, compassion and — perhaps most importantly — hope.”

Detection of ctDNA could help determine use of immunotherapy for small cell lung cancer
“Key takeaways: Patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer with ctDNA positivity after chemotherapy had significant survival benefits from immunotherapy. Those who did not have detectable ctDNA did not.”

Motivation to Quit Smoking Highest Around the Time of Cancer Surgery
“Smoking before a cancer-related surgery is associated with a higher symptom burden, but the perioperative period is a prime time for patients to consider quitting, a JAMA Network Open study finds.”

World-renowned cancer doctor reveals his own diagnosis
“AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) – Dr. Ross Camidge is the director of the Thoracic Oncology Department at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. The doctor, who has an MD and Ph.D, has helped treat thousands of lung cancer patients from more than 40 states and over 40 countries. Now, in a life twist, Camidge is a lung cancer patient himself.”

Lung cancer screening guidance needed for certain never-smokers
“Key takeaways: Guidelines are needed for populations of never-smokers who have increased risk for lung cancer. Asian women who never smoked developed lung cancer at similar rates as groups with heightened risks.”

SHR-4849 Shows Activity With Manageable Safety in Relapsed Small Cell Lung Cancer
“The DLL3-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) SHR-4849 (IDE849) demonstrated a tolerable toxicity profile and elicited responses in patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC), according to preliminary data from a first-in-human phase 1 study (NCT06443489).”

Machine learning models can predict urgent care needs for patients with non–small cell lung cancer
“A new study published in JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics demonstrates that machine learning models incorporating patient-reported outcomes and wearable sensor data can predict which patients with non–small cell lung cancer are most at risk of needing urgent care during treatment.”

WCLC 2025: The Top 5 Takeaways Across Lung Cancer Care
“CancerNetwork® covered the newest clinical trial findings that researchers presented at the meeting. Here are the top 5 takeaways that may impact lung cancer management.”

Impact of Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Therapy on the National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway (NOLCP)
“Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the UK, with early diagnosis critical to improving survival. The National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway (NOLCP) aims to streamline diagnosis and treatment, recently introducing a three-day direct-to-biopsy target for select patients. However, many lung cancer patients are on medications that increase the risk of bleeding (RoB), which may delay biopsy scheduling.”

Surufatinib Combo Displays Promising Efficacy in Frontline ES-SCLC
“After a median follow-up of 13.40 months among 11 patients treated with the surufatinib-based combination, the median overall survival (OS) was 15.80 months (95% CI, 8.61-NA [not applicable]). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.95 months (95% CI, 4.70-9.03). Additionally, the overall response rate (ORR) was 100% among these patients, all of which were partial responses.”

Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass Is Associated With Reduced Cytotoxic T Cell Abundance and Poor Survival in Advanced Lung Cancer
“Conclusion: SM loss is an independent predictor for survival in patients with advanced lung cancer and is associated with reduced peripheral and tumour-infiltrating cytotoxic T cell abundance. An inadequate antitumour immune response may contribute to metabolic tissue wasting in cancer.”

STAS Predicts Prognosis in Early NSCLC Regardless of Surgical Approach
“The presence of tumor spread through air spaces (STAS) demonstrated an association with poor prognosis in patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), whether undergoing segmentectomy or lobectomy, according to findings from an analysis of the phase III JCOG0802/WJOG4607L trial presented at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC; Abstract PL03.16).”

Tarlatamab Plus Anti–PD-L1 Therapy as Frontline Maintenance Shows Unprecedented OS in ES-SCLC
“The addition of tarlatamab-dlle (Imdelltra) to anti–PD-L1 therapy as frontline maintenance following chemoimmunotherapy led to unprecedented overall survival (OS) outcomes with long-term tolerability in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), according to extended follow-up findings from the phase 1b DeLLphi-303 trial (NCT05361395).”

Osimertinib Plus Chemo May Be Effective After Progression on Osimertinib
“Adding osimertinib to platinum-based chemotherapy may improve outcomes in patients with EGFR-mutant, advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had disease progression on first-line treatment with osimertinib, according to research presented at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer.”

Lurbinectedin Yields Responses in Various ES-SCLC Subgroups
“Lurbinectedin (Zepzelca) was efficacious across various extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) patient subgroups, including older patients, those with platinum-resistant disease, and those with central nervous system (CNS) metastases, as shown in results from the phase 4 Jazz EMERGE 402 trial (NCT04894591) shared at the IASLC 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC).”

Lung Cancer Screening May Benefit Adults Up to Age 80 Who Are Fit for Surgery
“Older individuals up to the age of 80 who are eligible for lung surgery may achieve a survival benefit from lung cancer screening comparable to that for younger patients, according to the results of a multicenter cohort study from the United Kingdom presented at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC; Abstract PL03.19). The findings support a push to extend the upper limit of lung cancer screening recommendations across national programs to include individuals aged 75 to 80, in line with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s recommendations.”

Lung cancer cells in the brain form electrical connections with neurons that spur tumor growth
“Small cell lung cancer cells that metastasize to the brain cozy up to neurons and form working electrical connections, called synapses, according to an upcoming study led by Stanford Medicine researchers. The pulse of electrical signals to the cancer cells strongly promotes tumor growth, the researchers found. Although interactions between neurons and cancer cells have been shown to occur in primary brain cancers (cancers that originate in the brain rather than traveling there from elsewhere in the body), the study is the first to show a similar interaction with lung cancer cells.”

New Summit data clouds approval pathway in lung cancer
“A combination of ivonescimab and chemotherapy didn’t extend survival over chemo alone in a global trial, missing a key goal often emphasized by regulators.”

First-in-human trial shows promising results for antibody-drug conjugate in relapsed small cell lung cancer
“A first-in-human Phase I study of SHR-4849 (IDE849), a Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3)-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), demonstrated manageable safety and early signs of anti-tumor activity in patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC).”

Dispelling Myths and Raising Awareness of Lung Cancer Risk
“Leah Phillips, co-founder of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative, had her life profoundly altered when she was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer driven by an EGFR exon 19 mutation. A never-smoker, Leah had no traditional risk factors and initially believed her diagnosis must have been a mistake. This experience has fueled her advocacy, as she seeks to dispel the misconception that lung cancer only affects smokers or older adults.”

Study validates AI lung cancer risk model Sybil in predominantly Black population at urban safety-net hospital
“A new study presented at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) validates the use of Sybil, a deep learning artificial intelligence model, for predicting future lung cancer risk in a predominantly Black population.”

Data published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrate RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) plus LAZCLUZE® (lazertinib) is re-setting survival expectations in first-line EGFR-mutated lung cancer
“RARITAN, N.J., Sept. 7, 2025 /PR Newswire/ – Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published results from the Phase 3 MARIPOSA study, which showed RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) plus LAZCLUZE® (lazertinib) demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful overall survival (OS) improvement for patients with previously untreated (first-line) locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions (ex19del) or L858R substitution mutations.”

FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Olomorasib With Pembrolizumab for NSCLC
“Key Takeaways: Olomorasib, combined with pembrolizumab, targets KRAS G12C-mutant NSCLC, addressing unmet needs in first-line treatment with high PD-L1 expression. NSCLC accounts for 80%-85% of lung cancer cases, with KRAS G12C mutations present in about 13% of patients.”

Millennial Woman Spends 3 Months Coughing—Then Gets Devastating Diagnosis
“A woman who thought that her health problems were caused by stress and anxiety has revealed how the symptoms she documented online ultimately led to a shocking diagnosis at just 28 years old. Aurora Lucas, now 32, shared her story on TikTok (@aurorainnalucas), gathering nearly half a million views.”

FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Zongertinib (HERNEXEOS) for First-Line Treatment of HER2-Mutant Advanced NSCLC
“On September 3, 2025, Boehringer Ingelheim announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Zongertinib as a potential first-line treatment for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carrying HER2 (ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain activating mutations.”

The quality of patient decision aids for lung cancer screening: Results from an environmental scan
“Shared decision making is recommended for lung cancer screening (LCS) by professional organizations and payers. Patient decision aids can be used to support shared decision making, but they need to meet quality standards to minimize the potential for biased and poorly informed patient decisions.”

How Cancer Changed a Patient’s Perspective on Strength and Healing
“Key Takeaways: Clara Mae Cirk’s cancer diagnosis has profoundly tested her mental resilience, prompting a reevaluation of personal strength and self-care priorities. Her diagnosis led to a shift away from corporate ambitions, allowing her to focus on healing and personal well-being.”

TT125-802 Earns FDA Fast Track Designations for EGFR+ and KRAS G12C+ Advanced NSCLC
“Key Takeaways: TT125-802 targets transcriptional pathways in NSCLC with EGFR and KRAS mutations, addressing treatment resistance and progression. Phase 1 trial results show TT125-802 provides clinical benefits and is well tolerated, with most adverse effects being mild.”

Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Plus Chemotherapy Shows Promise in LS-SCLC
“Key Takeaways: Neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy shows a 35% pathological complete response rate and 49% major pathological response rate in LS-SCLC. Most patients achieved R0 surgical resection, with a 44% rate of treatment-related serious adverse events, indicating acceptable toxicity.”

Real-world costs, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes associated with treatments for advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer
“Background: Alectinib, brigatinib, and lorlatinib are all preferred first-line (1L) therapies for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Although clinical trials have demonstrated their efficacy, real-world evidence on treatment patterns, costs, and outcomes may help differentiate these therapies and inform optimal 1L treatment selection in the absence of head-to-head comparisons.”

Iza-Bren Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for EGFR-Mutated NSCLC
“Key Takeaways: Iza-bren targets EGFR and HER3, reducing cancer cell proliferation and survival, and is designed for NSCLC with specific EGFR mutations. The FDA’s breakthrough therapy designation is based on data from three ongoing clinical trials assessing iza-bren’s safety and efficacy.”

LUNGevity Foundation Pays Tribute to Lung Cancer Advocate Bonnie J. Addario
““We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bonnie J. Addario, whose warmth and boundless energy touched countless lives in the lung cancer community, including our own. We are profoundly grateful for her leadership, her vision, and her enduring spirit of championing the patient.

Bonnie, a lung cancer survivor and pioneering advocate, transformed the landscape of lung cancer research and patient support and was a valued partner to LUNGevity and the entire lung cancer community. With tireless dedication, she united patients, researchers, clinicians, fellow advocacy groups and industry partners, always centering patient needs and building bridges across the community.

Bonnie’s impact extends far beyond the organizations she founded; it lives on in the collaborative spirit she championed and the countless lives she touched.

The lung cancer community will forever be shaped by her trailblazing work, her generosity of spirit, and her unwavering dedication to others. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tony, Danielle, Andrea, and her entire family.

Rest in Peace Bonnie. We are forever grateful for you.”

Innovent Biologics Announces U.S. FDA IND Approval for the First Global MRCT Phase 3 Study (MarsLight-11) of IBI363 (PD-1/IL-2α-bias) in Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Aug. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent”) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company committed to developing, manufacturing and commercializing high-quality medicines in oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major therapeutic areas, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the investigational new drug (IND) application to initiate a global Phase 3 clinical trial (MarsLight-11) of IBI363 in immunotherapy(IO)-resistant squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). IBI363 is Innovent’s self-discovered novel PD-1/IL-2α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein.”

African American ancestry study identifies lung cancer risk factors
“Despite having lower smoking habits than other groups in the U.S., Black Americans are more likely to develop lung cancer, and their survival rates are significantly worse. What explains this disparity? Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have analyzed the genetics of their African ancestry in search of risk genes related to the disease and tobacco use. The results reveal new risk factors and confirm the presence of genetic variants that may contribute to the greater impact of lung cancer in this population.”

Atezolizumab Plus Chemo Safe, Efficacious in Broader ES-SCLC Population
“Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) in combination with carboplatin and etoposide demonstrated safety and efficacy findings consistent with what has been seen in previous studies, such as the phase 3 IMpower133 trial (NCT02763579), in an extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) patient population similar to the real-world, according to end-of-study results from the phase 3b MAURIS trial (NCT04028050) published in Clinical Lung Cancer.”

New study uncovers potential treatment target for rare lung cancer
“A new study from the University of Oklahoma has provided a new understanding of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), a rare and aggressive type of lung cancer. Currently, LCNEC has a high chance of metastasis, no standard treatment and a poor survival rate.”

Efficacy Outcomes Between Tarlatamab and Real-World Physicians’ Choice of Therapies for Previously Treated Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Conclusion: The study findings suggest that tarlatamab offers potential clinical benefits relative to comparator treatments. This analysis underscores the potential of tarlatamab to become a new therapeutic option for previously treated SCLC, a disease that has historically been associated with extremely poor outcomes and limited treatment options.”

American Lung Association Promotes Biomarker Testing to Improve Lives of People with Lung Cancer
“For people with lung cancer, biomarker testing and targeted therapies can improve treatment outcomes, reduce side effects and help them live longer. Unfortunately, not enough people diagnosed with lung cancer are getting biomarker testing, so the American Lung Association is expanding its Biomarker Education and Awareness for Testing (BEAT) Lung Cancer initiative to increase access to and understanding of biomarker testing, with a particular emphasis on communities bearing the highest lung cancer burden.”

SBI Planning Tool: tackling lung cancer mortality rates in the USA
“The American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable (ACS NLCRT), established to bridge different aspects of the healthcare industry, have developed an State-Based Initiatives (SBI) Planning Tool through meetings, interviews and usability testing. This tool provides an easily usable, centralized, web-based approach to reducing lung cancer mortality within the USA by providing personalized recommendations based on a state’s specific needs.”

New Strategy for Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment Emerges from Dana-Farber Science
“New research from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute shows that a new class of drug results in cancer cell death in cancers, such as small cell lung cancer, with a disabled quality control cell cycle checkpoint known as the G1/S checkpoint. The evidence gathered in the Oser Lab at Dana-Farber supports testing of the strategy in humans. A phase 1 clinical trial is now open nationwide for patients with small cell lung cancer, triple negative breast cancer, and other cancers.”

Emotional Distress May Confer Worse Immunotherapy Outcomes in NSCLC
“Pretreatment emotional distress may significantly correlate with worse clinical efficacy following immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) use in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), supporting a need for an integrative care approach in this population, according to an editorial commentary published in Translational Lung Cancer Research.”

Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Shows Promise in Limited-Stage SCLC
“Key Takeaways: Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in LS-SCLC shows high pCR and MPR rates, indicating promising efficacy before surgery. The meta-analysis found a 95% R0 surgical resection rate, with no perioperative deaths reported.”

Breakthrough lung cancer therapy targets tumors with precision nanobody
“A research team led by Dr. Juyeon Jung at the Bio-Nano Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), has developed a nanobody-based technology that can precisely identify and attack only lung cancer cells, opening new possibilities for cancer therapy. This breakthrough addresses the limitations of conventional chemotherapy by reducing harmful side effects while maximizing cancer cell-killing efficiency. In particular, it shows remarkable therapeutic potential for lung adenocarcinoma, a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).”

Firefighters have higher risk for death from skin, lung, kidney cancers
“Key takeaways: Firefighters had a significantly higher risk for death from skin cancer than career professionals. Long-term follow-up suggests firefighters have significant risk for lung cancer mortality, too.”

Markey patient cancer-free after same-day lung cancer diagnosis and treatment
“LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 14, 2025) — Last year, Lisa Buede made the decision to get screened for lung cancer, knowing she was eligible due to her smoking history: The 59-year-old Lexington resident had been a smoker since she was 14 years old. When the results of the screening revealed a tumor, Buede’s pulmonologist referred her to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center. She would need a biopsy to determine if the nodule in her lung was cancer — and if it was, surgery to remove the mass. Under the care of UK Markey Cancer Center thoracic surgeon Shari Meyerson, M.D., Buede underwent both procedures in the same day.”

The Variability of Data and Importance of Personalized Lung Cancer Care
“Key Takeaways: Personalized patient-oncologist discussions are crucial, as overall data may not reflect individual experiences and needs. Patients should ask about realistic best and worst-case scenarios, expected side effects, and how treatments align with personal decision-making.”

Lung Cancer in Never-Smokers: Mutational Processes Affect Genomic Landscape
“Lung cancer in never-smokers (LCINS) living in areas with high air pollution is associated with a greater prevalence of TP53 mutations, shorter telomeres, and heightened mutagenesis, particularly associated with signatures SBS4 and SBS5. These were among study findings published in Nature.”

Lung cancer screening experiences among patients with a smoking history and primary care providers: a qualitative study
“Conclusions: LCS is well tolerated by patients and valued by providers. To increase LCS knowledge and uptake, systems changes are needed to facilitate shared decision-making conversations, simplify the referral process, and provide care navigation to increase patient logistical barriers to uptake.”

Ifinatamab Deruxtecan Granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by U.S. FDA for Patients with Pretreated Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
“BASKING RIDGE, NJ AND RAHWAY, NJ, – Ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd) has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.”

A New Reality for Terminal Cancer: Longer Lives, With Chronic Uncertainty
“Gwen Orilio didn’t know how long she had to live after her stage-four lung cancer diagnosis. The disease had already infiltrated her eye, so the 31-year-old didn’t bother opening a retirement account. Ten years later, Orilio is still alive. And she still has metastatic cancer.”

Graphene-based biosensor to support new lung cancer screening test
“HydroGraph, a Canadian producer of ultra-pure graphene, has announced a partnership with Hawkeye Bio and Ease Healthcare to support the development of a new blood test for the early detection of lung cancer. The test, known as the Lung Enzyme Activity Profile (LEAP), is a non-invasive and radiation-free diagnostic designed to identify early-stage lung cancer across all subtypes. It has shown a 99.8% negative predictive value in trials, indicating strong potential for ruling out disease in high-risk groups such as older smokers, firefighters, military personnel and first responders.”

Lung Cancer in Special Populations
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, claiming more lives than other age-related and screen-detectable cancers. Cigarette smoking remains the most important risk factor. However, despite common perceptions, risk is not related solely to cigarette smoking. Several vulnerable and special populations experience a disproportionate burden of lung cancer, often complicated by overlapping medical issues, diagnostic challenges, and treatment limitations. This review highlights four populations (people with HIV, persons who are immunocompromised, lung cancer in nonsmoking women, and individuals with interstitial lung disease [ILD]) who experience unique risks that impact early detection, diagnosis, and management of lung cancer.”

U.S. FDA grants accelerated approval to Boehringer’s HERNEXEOS® as first orally administered targeted therapy for previously treated patients with HER2-mutant advanced NSCLC
“Boehringer Ingelheim’s HERNEXEOS® (zongertinib tablets) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The kinase inhibitor is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have HER2 (ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain activating mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received prior systemic therapy.”

Innovative diagnostic approaches for lung cancer: integrating traditional cytology with qPCR for rapid and reliable results
“Our study demonstrated that MCSs-based TSC combined with genetic testing could not only rapidly and reliably diagnose lung cancer, but also effectively detect gene targets, with potential for widespread application.”

New web-based tool helps fight lung cancer mortality and advance treatment
“Experts have created a customizable, web-based tool that provides state and local leaders with tailored resources to reduce lung cancer mortality rates and advance treatment.”

Here Comes the Sun(vozertinib): Changes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment
“Key Takeaways: NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations is challenging to treat due to its heterogeneity and unique genetic makeup. Sunvozertinib, a kinase inhibitor, received FDA accelerated approval for NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, showing a 46% overall response rate.”

NCCN Updates Small Cell Lung Cancer Guidelines With New LEMS Recommendations
“Key Takeaways: NCCN guidelines for SCLC now include LEMS updates, focusing on amifampridine use and VGCC antibody testing for diagnosis. LEMS, linked to SCLC, involves muscle weakness from antibodies targeting VGCCs, impairing neurotransmitter release.”

Cancer Vaccines Improve Survival in Advanced Non-Small-Cell-Lung-Cancer After First-Line Therapy
“Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to pose a significant clinical challenge, particularly after disease progression on first-line treatment. With the emergence of cancer vaccines as a novel immunotherapeutic approach, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate their efficacy and safety in patients with advanced NSCLC following first-line therapy.”

ILD diagnosis raises risk for lung cancer
“Key takeaways: The risk for lung cancer was heightened among those with vs. without ILD in a model that adjusted for five covariates. This continued in sibling-controlled analyses of patients with ILD and siblings without ILD.”

Survival Gains in NSCLC Therapy Innovations Tied to Rising Financial Toxicity
“Although recent advancements in lung cancer treatments and in cancer therapeutics overall have improved patient survival, the rising cost of treatments has also had a significant impact on patients and their caregivers, contributing to an increase in financial toxicity.”

Scientists issue warning after discovering overlooked factor increasing lung cancer risk: ‘Cause for concern’
“For the first time, researchers have directly linked microplastics to malignant changes in lung cells associated with cancer, according to a media release from the Medical University of Vienna.”

Telomere-Targeting Agent Receives Fast Track Designation for NSCLC
“The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation to ateganosine (THIO, 6-thio-dG or 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Ateganosine is a telomere-targeting therapy designed to break down telomere structure and function in cancer cells. By targeting telomeres, it is believed that ateganosine can restore tumor responses to immunotherapy in patients who have developed resistance.”

Lipid droplet protein perilipin 2 linked to poor prognosis in lung cancer
“New research has revealed that perilipin 2 protein modulates aggressive cancer progression in advanced lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, by regulating lipid droplet accumulation, which plays an important role in lipid metabolism by making cancer cells store more fat, acting as a fuel source.”

Breakthrough lung cancer treatment supercharges immune cells with mitochondria
“Scientists have found a way to supercharge lung cancer treatment by transplanting healthy mitochondria into tumors, which both boosts immune response and makes chemotherapy far more effective. By combining this novel method with cisplatin, researchers reversed harmful tumor metabolism and empowered immune cells to fight back, all without added toxicity.”

New Research aimed at Predicting Which Lung Cancer Patients will respond to Immunotherapy, Earns a $200,000 Grant from LCFA and IASLC
“Los Angeles, CA, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A transformative breakthrough in lung cancer research is set to reshape how doctors treat certain forms of lung cancer and how quickly they’re able to adopt an effective treatment plan. The “MANAscore,” developed by Dr. Zhen Zeng at Johns Hopkins University, is a new computational approach that enables the identification of tumor-fighting T-cells at an unprecedented scale, potentially helping oncologists predict which patients will benefit from life-saving immunotherapy before treatment begins.”

Dr Florez on the Importance of Establishing Consensus Within the Evolving Lung Cancer Treatment Landscape
“Narjust Florez, MD, associate director of the Cancer Care Equity Program and a thoracic medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; as well as a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, discussed the importance of establishing expert consensus in the evolving lung cancer treatment paradigm in 2025. She emphasized that the Bridging the Gaps in Lung Cancer meeting, now in its third year, is uniquely structured to identify and address clinical uncertainties in real time as new data emerge.”

Large-scale gene analysis identifies new biomarkers and drug targets for lung adenocarcinoma
“By analyzing tens of thousands of genes, proteins, and protein modifications in hundreds of lung tumors, an international research team has uncovered new factors linked to poor outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma in both smokers and people who have never smoked. These factors include a pattern of DNA damage and signatures of exposures to chemicals found in processed foods and cosmetics. The findings could lead to better precision medicine strategies for this most common type of lung cancer.”

Update on Drug-Induced Pneumonitis in Lung Cancer
“A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach is essential to optimize patient safety and outcomes in lung cancer care. In this manuscript we describe approaches to pre-treatment assessment, evaluation of suspected pneumonitis, and management of pneumonitis on a drug-specific basis. We emphasize emerging data and drug classes, while also highlighting remaining areas of uncertainty.”

The mutagenic forces shaping the genomes of lung cancer in never smokers
“A positive dose–response effect was observed with air-pollution levels, correlating with both a decrease in telomere length and an increase in somatic mutations, mainly attributed to signatures SBS4 and SBS5. Our results elucidate the diversity of mutational processes shaping the genomic landscape of lung cancer in never smokers.”

New 3D bioprinted lung tissue could transform respiratory research
“Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a 3D bio-printed model that replicates the complexity of natural lung tissue. This development, detailed in Biotechnology and Bioengineering, could change how scientists’ study respiratory diseases and develop new therapeutic options.”

Radiation Therapy Overcomes Immunotherapy Resistance in Some Cancers
“By sparking the immune system into action, radiation therapy makes certain tumors that resist immunotherapy susceptible to the treatment, leading to positive outcomes for patients, according to new research by investigators at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and the Netherlands Cancer Institute.”

MAIA Biotechnology Receives FDA’s Fast Track Designation for Ateganosine as a Treatment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“CHICAGO, July 28, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (NYSE American: MAIA) (“MAIA”, the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing targeted immunotherapies for cancer, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for ateganosine (THIO, 6-thio-dG or 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Ateganosine is currently being evaluated in a pivotal Phase 2 THIO-101 clinical trial evaluating its anti-tumor activity when followed by a checkpoint inhibitor.”

Alcohol-related disorders are associated with short-term outcomes in lung cancer patients undergoing VATS lobectomy: a 5-year retrospective analysis
“Our findings reveal the substantial effect of alcohol exposure on short-term outcomes for lung cancer patients undergoing VATS lobectomy. The adverse influences of alcohol abuse/dependence were particularly pronounced in this surgical context. These results emphasize the necessity for preoperative risk stratification in these high-risk patients.”

COCOON Regimen Shows Promise in Mitigating Dermatologic AEs During NSCLC Treatment
“The regimen of amivantamab-vmjw (Rybrevant) plus lazertinib (Lazcluze) is known to have dermatologic adverse effects (AEs) that can make staying on treatment a challenge. Investigators in the phase 2 COCOON trial (NCT06120140) set out to find a way to mitigate dermatologic AEs that patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)may experience when receiving the regimen.”

Validation of a rapid biomarker assay for lung cancer using the IntelliPlex panel
“A large proportion of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbor clinically actionable genomic alterations, detected in general by broad Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) panels, since it is the gold standard test and strongly recommended by different societies. However, high failure rates due to preanalytical factors and long turnaround times are still hindering rapid treatment decision taking in the real-world setting.”

Night Shift Work Tied to Elevated Lung Cancer Risk, Especially Among Smokers
“Compared with day workers, those working rotating shifts with usual or permanent night shifts had an 84% higher risk of developing lung cancer.”

FDA Fast Tracks DB-1310 for Advanced Nonsquamous Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: DB-1310, a HER3-targeting ADC, received FDA fast track designation for advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer with specific EGFR mutations. Early trials demonstrated promising efficacy and manageable safety, with a 43.5% confirmed overall response rate and 91.3% disease control rate.”

Multi-cohort analysis identifies a blood-based immune transcriptomic signature for early lung cancer detection
“Early diagnosis of lung cancer is critical for timely intervention and reducing mortality. The immune system and cancer are intricately linked, which provides a unique opportunity to monitor changes in the immune system as a biomarker of cancer development.”

Special Discussion on Lung Cancer in Young Adults – LUNGevity Foundation
“”This World Lung Cancer Day, join us for a Facebook Live to discuss lung cancer in young adults and how biology translates to clinical practice. LUNGevity’s Upal Basu Roy co-hosts this exciting event with Lung Cancer Iniative’s Jenni Danai with guests Jaclyn LoPiccolo (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) and patient advocate Gwen Orilio.”

Lung Cancer Study Links Treatment History to Quality-of-Life Differences
“Key Takeaways: A holistic, value-based care approach is essential for enhancing quality of life in non-small cell lung cancer patients, focusing on treatment side effects and patient preferences. Treatment history significantly influences health-related quality of life, with nonmetastatic patients reporting more sleep disturbances and metastatic patients experiencing better physical and social functioning.”

Nadunolimab Combo Exhibits Early Efficacy in Advanced NSCLC
“Nadunolimab (CAN04), when used with platinum-based chemotherapy, exhibited promising early efficacy outcomes in a small cohort of patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to results from the phase 2a CANFOUR trial (NCT03267316) published in Lung Cancer.”

A little dopamine could go a long way in treating lung cancer
“Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), one of the deadliest types of lung cancer, is an aggressive tumor that metastasizes early compared to other cancers and can quickly develop resistance to chemotherapy  —  making it extremely difficult to treat.  However, at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, scientists in the lab of Associate Professor Dr. Luke Hoeppner are working to change this  —  and one of the solutions might have something to do with activating dopamine receptors.”