Lung Cancer Weekly News

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.”

Ensuring Coverage of Faster Biomarker Testing in Lung Cancer: Robert Kratzke, MD
“Delays in molecular testing for patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can lead to treatment lags that cost lives, warned Robert Kratzke, MD, professor of medicine and head of medical oncology at the University of Minnesota.”

Frontline LDRT Plus Atezolizumab Combo Shows Efficacy in ES-SCLC
“The addition of low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) to frontline atezolizumab (Tecentriq) plus chemotherapy was found to be well tolerated and effective as a treatment for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), according to results from the phase 2 MATCH trial (NCT04622228) published in International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics.”

TILs: What Are They and How Are They Used in Cancer Treatment?
“Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, or TIL, therapy uses a patient’s own immune system T cells to fight cancer. The therapy involves removing T cells from a piece of the patient’s tumor – where the T cells have congregated after being alerted to the cancer – growing them outside the body, then re-infusing them by the billions to attack the disease.”

Microplastics found to trigger cancer-linked changes in lung cells
“Although the respiratory system is one of the main entry points for microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) from the air into the body, little is known about the effects of these tiny particles on the lungs. Researchers at MedUni Vienna have now demonstrated for the first time that MNPs can trigger malignant changes in lung cells that are associated with the development of cancer. The findings were published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials and once again underline the urgent need for action to reduce plastic waste.”

The Evolution of Survivorship After a Lung Cancer Diagnosis
“Key Takeaways: Survivorship evolved from enduring treatments to living a meaningful life, emphasizing daily love and giving back. Cancer altered Gillespie’s life perspective, sense of invincibility, and social interactions, leading to a more carefree outlook.”

‘Seesaw’ may explain why lung cancer treatments stop working
“A new discovery could help solve one of the most frustrating challenges in treating lung cancer: Why do some patients initially respond to drug treatment, only for it to stop working 18 months later?”

SRS Lessens Rate of Neurologic Death vs WBRT in SCLC and Brain Metastases
“Stereotactic radiation led to lower rates of neurologic death compared with whole-brain radiation (WBRT) in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 1 to 10 brain metastases who were surveilled closely following treatment, according to results from a phase 2 trial (NCT03391362) published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.”

Concomitant Use of Analgesics and EGFR TKIs in Lung Cancer Patients: Outcomes and Perspectives From a Finnish Retrospective Register-Based Study
“Introduction: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Preclinical studies suggest inflammatory and other mechanisms of analgesics affect the efficacy of EGFR TKIs. In this study, we aim to explore the outcomes of concurrent use of EGFR TKIs and analgesics, to provide clinical insight into analgesic treatment decisions.”

Air Pollution ‘Strongly Associated’ With DNA Mutations Tied to Lung Cancer
“Lung cancer cases are on the rise in non-smokers around the world, and air pollution could be an insidious, contributing factor. A genome study has now found that outdoor smog and soot are strongly associated with DNA mutations related to lung cancer – including known drivers seen in smokers, and new ones unique to non-smokers.”

Recommendations for Interventions to Improve Function in Patients With Lung Cancer: A Clinical Practice Guideline
“Introduction: Individuals with lung cancer frequently experience functional limitations, yet best practice to achieve functional recovery has not been synthesized. This Clinical Practice Guideline generates evidence-based recommendations to improve functional outcomes in this population.”

The association between energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and lung cancer in 101,755 participants aged 55 years and above: a large prospective cohort
“Background: The association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and lung cancer incidence remains unclear. This inconsistency may be attributed to not considering total energy intake and dietary supplement use adequately. To provide reliable evidence, we conducted a secondary analysis of data from the prospective Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial to examine the association between lung cancer incidence and E-DII (Energy-adjusted DII) derived from both food and supplements as well as from food only.”

With FDA Nod in Lung Cancer, Dizal Now Aims to Best a J&J Drug and Succeed Where Takeda Fell Short
“Dizal Pharmaceutical’s Zegfrovy is now FDA approved for treating non-small cell lung cancer driven by a particular rare genetic signature. Johnson & Johnson drug Rybrevant already addresses this genetic signature as an earlier line of therapy, but Dizal executives contend their drug offers the potential for better safety and efficacy.”

Don’t Wait for Symptoms: A Powerful Plea for Lung Cancer Screening from a Former Smoker
“No cough, no shortness of breath, no coughing up blood, and yet, a positive diagnosis for lung cancer. On November 28, 2024, Denise was preparing for her yearly Florida trip. She snuck in one last visit to her doctor to get her prescriptions filled before she left.”

Alzheimer’s protein found to drive lung cancer spread to the brain
“Researchers at McMaster University, Cleveland Clinic and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered how a protein long associated with Alzheimer’s disease helps lung cancer spread to the brain – a discovery that offers hope that existing Alzheimer’s drugs could be repurposed in preventing cancer’s spread.”

‘Inoperable’ lung cancer to non-existent: The role genetic sequencing plays in treating tumors
“BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) — Cancer is not a welcome diagnosis, but breakthroughs in genetic sequencing and immunotherapy are making some cancers easier to treat than others. A local father and grandfather was told he had inoperable lung cancer, but six months later, it was in remission. The retired animator said it’s the kind of ending you might find in the world of Hollywood.”

Progress and challenges of artificial intelligence in lung cancer clinical translation
“Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks and transformers, have significantly impacted cancer care. For lung cancer, AI holds great potential in addressing smoking cessation, personalized screening, and imaging genomics. And these data could be incorporated to optimize treatment selection. This review highlights the transformative impact of AI in lung cancer management, discusses crucial barriers such as model bias and fairness, and outlines future directions for clinical application.”

Map Shows Worst US States for Lung Health
“Due to a combination of smoking rates, regional climates and air pollution, the health of Americans’ lungs varies immensely from state to state, according to a new report. A new study by Opera Beds, a specialist in clinically oriented mattresses and pressure-care systems, ranked the worst states for lung health in the U.S., drawing on data from the American Lung Association, the EPA and additional sources.”

New AI Tool Enhances Precision of Lung Cancer Radiation Therapy
“A new artificial intelligence tool developed by researchers at Northwestern Medicine has matched expert physicians in mapping lung tumors for radiation therapy and may even improve on their accuracy by identifying tumor regions some doctors miss. The study detailing this tool, called iSeg, was published NPJ Precision Oncology.”

Colorado Researcher Receives Department of Defense Grant for 3D Lung Cancer Modeling System
“A three-dimensional model of lung tissue developed by University of Colorado Cancer Center member Chelsea Magin, PhD, will help the U.S. military better research, treat and prevent lung cancer. “Military service members are more likely to develop lung cancer than the general population due to a combination of occupational exposures and lifestyle factors,” Magin explains. “Many veterans were exposed to hazardous substances, such as particulate matter from burn pits or diesel exhaust, during military service. Additionally, smoking rates among veterans are approximately twice as high as the general population. Due to these factors, nearly 1 million veterans remain at high risk for lung cancer.””

Exposure to Cooking Fumes Linked to Increased Risk for Lung Cancer in Never Smokers
“A systematic review found that higher lifetime exposure to cooking oil fumes was associated with an increased risk for lung cancer in never-smoking women in high-income countries.”

Decline in SCLC Incidence Expected to Accelerate Through 2050
“Key Takeaways: SCLC incidence in the US is projected to decline significantly through 2050, continuing a trend from 2000 to 2021. The study used SEER 17 data, showing a steady decline in SCLC cases across demographics, attributed to reduced tobacco use.”

TROP2-directed Antibody-drug Conjugate Approved for EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer 
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval to datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk (Datroway) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that harbors EGFR mutations and has previously been treated with EGFR-directed therapy and chemotherapy.”

Study points to promising chemoimmunotherapy strategy for aggressive stage III non-small cell lung cancer
“A study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy before surgery for patients with aggressive stage III non-small cell lung cancer that is considered difficult or impossible to surgically remove can help shrink tumors and make surgery possible.”

Frontline Firmonertinib Generates Durable Efficacy in EGFR PACC–Mutant NSCLC
“Key Takeaways: Firmonertinib at 240 mg showed a median PFS of 16.0 months and an ORR of 68.2% in EGFR PACC–mutant NSCLC patients. The CNS ORR was 53%, with a 41% complete response rate, indicating significant CNS activity.”

Depression in Lung Cancer Tied to Inflammation Risk
“For the first time, researchers have found that lung cancer patients who have a combination of high levels of depression and inflammation at diagnosis are later found with continuing depressive symptoms in the next several months, even as they receive new, promising therapies.”

Anlotinib Following Benmelstobart Plus Chemotherapy Improves Progression-Free Survival in S-NSCLC
“Benmelstobart (TQB2450; Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co, Ltd) in combination with chemotherapy followed by sequential combination with anlotinib (Catequentinib; Advenchen Laboratories) led to significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS), with a manageable safety profile. The data, presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical oncology Annual Meeting, suggest the regimen as a new first-line treatment for patients with squamous non-small cell lung cancer (s-NSCLC).”

NCCN Guidelines Now Recommend Taletrectinib for ROS1+ NSCLC
“Key Takeaways: Taletrectinib is now a preferred treatment for advanced ROS1-positive NSCLC, including brain metastases and resistance mutations, per updated NCCN guidelines. FDA approval of taletrectinib was based on phase 2 TRUST-I and TRUST-II trials, showing high response rates and durable responses.”

Two-in-one treatment targets ‘undruggable’ lung cancer
“Takeshi Shimamura, an associate professor of surgery in the College of Medicine, sees cancer as a many-headed monster: adaptive, relentless and difficult to eradicate. Thwarting its progress is his Herculean research task. “Cancer is clever. It knows how to overcome drugs, almost as if it has a mind of its own. It evolves and finds alternate pathways when its survival is threatened. That’s why I study drug resistance — to understand how it works and, ultimately, to outsmart it,” said Shimamura, who is also affiliated with the University of Illinois Cancer Center.”

OPC 2025: Key Studies Shaping Lung Cancer Therapy From ASCO 2025
“Key Takeaways: Tarlatamab in SCLC improved response rates, PFS, and OS, addressing chemotherapy resistance and durability challenges. Outpatient monitoring reduced CRS rates. IMforte study showed lurbinectedin addition to atezolizumab improved PFS and OS in extensive-stage SCLC, including patients with brain metastases. CheckMate-816 demonstrated nivolumab addition to chemotherapy improved 5-year OS and pCR in resectable NSCLC, with PD-L1 expression predicting benefit. SACHI trial showed dual therapy for EGFR-mutant NSCLC with MET amplification improved response rates and PFS, but not OS, with notable toxicity. ICI timing study suggested improved PFS and OS with pre-3 PM dosing, raising questions about circadian influences on immune response.”

Pembrolizumab and Chemoradiation Deliver Durable Responses in Stage III NSCLC
“The immunotherapy combination of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) plus concurrent chemoradiation therapy (cCRT) continued to deliver durable responses and a manageable safety profile among patients with unresectable, locally advanced, stage III non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to data from the final analysis of the phase 2 KEYNOTE-799 trial (NCT03631784) presented during the 2025 European Lung Cancer Congress.”

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy emerges as an effective alternative for lung nodule localization
“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. The detection rate of nodules has significantly increased with the implementation of health screening using low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT), and it is not uncommon that small and multiple pulmonary nodules are frequently detected, demanding advancements in diagnostic technologies for accurate biopsy and precise localization of pulmonary nodules.”

Sugemalimab/Chemotherapy Improves Long-Term Survival in Metastatic NSCLC
“Combining sugemalimab (Cejemly) with chemotherapy in the frontline setting significantly extended overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) vs placebo/chemotherapy among those with metastatic squamous or nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to 4-year outcomes from the phase 3 GEMSTONE-302 study (NCT03789604) published in The Lancet Oncology.”

Treatment Options and AE Considerations in First-Line EGFR+ NSCLC
“The debate between osimertinib (Tagrisso) or amivantamab-vmjw (Rybrevant) plus lazertinib (Lazcluze) for EGFR-mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is ongoing. However, with recent overall survival (OS) data from the European Lung Cancer Conference (ELCC) 2025, the preference for one regimen over another may be shifting.”

Navigating EGFR Mutations and ALK Fusions in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: Biomarker testing is crucial for personalizing NSCLC treatment, moving from generic chemotherapy to targeted therapies based on molecular profiling. EGFR and ALK mutations are significant targets, with osimertinib and alectinib showing improved outcomes in early-stage NSCLC trials. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies are being refined through genomic insights, highlighting the need for timely molecular testing at diagnosis. Future NSCLC treatment will emphasize biomarker-driven strategies, increased trial enrollment, and multidisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient outcomes.”

CID-078 Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation in Small Cell Lung Cancer
“CID-078 has been granted FDA orphan drug designation for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). SCLC is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options, particularly in relapsed/refractory settings. The orphan drug designation provides incentives for CID-078’s development, including market exclusivity and tax credits, as the drug progresses through a phase 1 clinical trial for advanced solid tumors, including SCLC.”

Detailing the Potential Benefit of Intratumoral Therapies in Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: JNJ-1900 enhances radiation therapy effects while minimizing damage to healthy lung tissue, offering a promising approach for lung cancer treatment. Intratumoral therapies can reduce early treatment toxicity by delivering high concentrations of therapy directly into tumors.”

Targeted Chemo Improves Survival in Early-Stage Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: The AIM-HIGH trial showed significant DFS improvement in high-risk stage 1a to 2a nonsquamous NSCLC patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. At 24 months, 96% of chemotherapy patients were alive without disease progression, compared to 79% in the observation group.”

RET Inhibitor Rechallenge Demonstrates Activity in Previously Treated NSCLC
“Key Takeaways: Rechallenging with a different first-generation RET inhibitor showed clinical activity in RET-rearranged NSCLC patients after discontinuation due to toxicity. Patients rechallenged after toxicity had a higher objective response rate and longer progression-free survival compared to those rechallenged after disease progression.”

Pre-Op Osimertinib in Lung Cancer Leads to More Major Pathologic Responses
“CHICAGO — Neoadjuvant osimertinib (Tagrisso) with or without chemotherapy significantly increased major pathologic response (MPR) rates compared with chemotherapy alone in resectable EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), primary analysis of the phase III NeoADAURA trial showed.”

Curiosity and Compassion Propel Lung Cancer Pioneer Ramalingam to TIME100 Health 2025 List
“As a resident in internal medicine in the early 1990s—during a time when cancer therapies were scarce—one patient with lung cancer changed the narrative and career trajectory for Suresh S. Ramalingam, MD, FACP, FASCO, who has since worked tirelessly to propel research in this field.”

WVU Cancer Institute patient credits LUCAS for early detection followed by lifesaving treatment
“BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – It took a rolling billboard to quiet a nagging voice Lewis County resident Penny Cooley just couldn’t shake for years. “It’s always been in the back of my mind,” the WVU Cancer Institute patient said. “Because everybody on my father’s side has died of cancer, and I smoked 21 years.””

Socazolimab Exhibits Overall Survival Benefit Vs Placebo in ES-SCLC
“Socazolimab (ZKAB001) exhibited a statistically significant overall survival (OS) benefit vs placebo when added to chemotherapy containing carboplatin and etoposide as a first-line treatment for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), according to results from a phase 3 trial (NCT04878016) published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.”

Tarlatamab Significantly Improves Survival in Patients With Small Cell Lung Cancer Post-Progression
“Key Takeaways: Tarlatamab significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy in SCLC patients post-platinum-based treatment. The phase 3 DeLLphi-304 trial highlighted tarlatamab’s efficacy, with reduced cancer-related symptoms and fewer severe adverse events.”

Twice Daily, Hyperfractionated Thoracic Radiotherapy Effective at 60 Gy in SCLC
“Thoracic radiotherapy twice daily at a dose of 60 Gy in 40 fractions prolonged survival and was well tolerated compared with a dose of 45 Gy in 30 fractions in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC), according to a phase 2 trial (NCT02041845) published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology.”

Roche’s Tecentriq combined with lurbinectedin shows significant survival benefit in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer
“46% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death, and 27% reduction in the risk of death, in an aggressive cancer type with limited survival and few treatment options. First Phase III study in ES-SCLC first-line maintenance to demonstrate clinically meaningful improvements in both progression-free and overall survival.”

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Future of Thoracic Care Is Identifying Lung Cancer Early: Samir Shah, MD, MMM, FACR
“Samir Shah, MD, MMM, FACR, spoke about his collaboration with University Hospitals (UH) Cleveland to incorporate more artificial intelligence (AI) tools that could help identify early nodules of lung cancer. The future of thoracic care could rely on these tools to help improve prognosis in lung cancer.”