Lung Cancer Weekly News

Intensive Program Helps People Being Screened for Lung Cancer Quit Smoking
“When people who smoke are screened for lung cancer, studies have suggested that the screening visit can be an opportune time for health care providers to offer them ways to stop smoking. Results from a large clinical trial now show that a comprehensive program that integrates intensive counseling and cessation medications may be a particularly effective way of accomplishing that goal.”

Study reveals gaps in lung cancer screening despite updated guidelines
“Since 2021, when lung cancer screening guidelines began to include younger people and those with a lower smoking history, the number of screenings climbed, but significant gaps remain, especially among people with limited access to healthcare, according to a new study led by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.”

Novel selective strategies targeting the BCL-2 family to enhance clinical efficacy in ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer
“ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) rearrangements represent the third most predominant driver oncogene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although ALK inhibitors are the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with the longest survival rates in lung cancer, the complex systemic clinical evaluation and the apoptotic cell death evasion of drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cancer cells may limit their therapeutic response.”

RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) plus LAZCLUZE™ (lazertinib) significantly outperforms standard of care in first-line EGFR-mutated lung cancer with compelling new data at ELCC 2025
“Median overall survival improvement projected to exceed one year with much-anticipated overall survival analysis showing statistically superior result versus Osimertinib. Preventative dermatologic regimen meets primary endpoint and enhances patient experience.”

When Lobectomy Is Out: Selecting Treatment for Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in High-Risk Patients
“The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) published a consensus statement defining and outlining proper assessment of these high-risk patients in 2021. In late 2024, AATS published a follow-up document: consensus on how to choose more appropriate treatment for high-risk patients. Alternatives to lobectomy include sublobar resection, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) and image-guided thermal ablation (IGTA).”

Wildfire Exposure Confers Longer Length of Stay Following NSCLC Surgery
“Patients who received curative-intent surgery for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at facilities impacted by a wildfire disaster experienced longer length of stay (LOS) vs similar patients who underwent treatment at times when no disasters occurred, according to findings published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.”

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Latest Advances in Management of Advanced NSCLC with ALK or ROS1 Mutations

A Post-Treatment Blood Test Could Inform Future Cancer Therapy Decisions
“In the continuing evolution of personalized medicine, a new Yale study has found evidence to support the value of a tool that measures the presence of cancer-derived molecules in the blood of patients with lung cancer years after their treatment. This tool is a type of molecular residual disease (MRD) detector, which is used after patients have completed their primary treatment in order to monitor their cancer status. Researchers say it could inform clinical intervention, including whether to restart or intensify treatment.”

Family Caregiver Support Program Well-Received Despite Modest Effects
“A perioperative support program for family caregivers of patients undergoing surgery for early-stage lung cancer appeared feasible and acceptable, yet its impact on psychological distress and other caregiving-related outcomes remained inconclusive, according to results from a study published in BMC Nursing.”

‘The missing piece of my life’: DNA testing unites woman with family after decades-long search
“KEY TAKEAWAYS: Kerri Robbins, 65, found her biological father’s family through DNA testing. She connected with relatives, gaining support amid her Stage 4 lung cancer battle. Robbins advocates for radon awareness in Utah, linking her cancer to radon exposure.”

Western Diets Linked With Lung Cancer Risk
“For cancers of organs like the liver, the long-term impact of our diet has been well studied — so much so that we have guidance about red meat, wine and other delicacies. A new study from researchers at University of Florida Health looks at another kind of organ whose cancer risk may be affected by poor diet: the lungs. The study was funded by several National Institutes of Health grants and a collaboration between the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center and the UF Health Cancer Center.”

Patient-Reported Outcomes Reinforce Clinical Benefits of Tarlatamab in Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Tarlatamab (Imdelltra; Amgen) demonstrated moderate and long-lasting tolerability with a strong benefit-risk profile in previously treated small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with favorable patient-reported outcomes (PROs) across a spectrum of functional outcomes and symptoms.”

Disentangling the effects of various risk factors and trends in lung cancer mortality
“Lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality in oncological classifications, yet the impact of various risk factors on lung cancer mortality (LCM) in non-smokers remains unclear. This study aims to weigh out the diverse impact of multiple risk factors on LCM rates and identify trends in LCM rates worldwide.”

ACR to release early lung cancer detection registry
“The American College of Radiology (ACR) is expanding its Lung Cancer Screening Registry, which will evolve into the Early Lung Cancer Detection Registry in late 2025. The expansion will support diagnostic performance feedback on management of actionable incidental pulmonary nodules using current ACR Learning Network Recommendations Follow-Up Collaborative measures, the ACR said. These measures focus on the quality of radiology report recommendations and timely follow-up completion rates.”

IU Health, Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center launch mobile lung cancer screening
“INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana University Health and the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center are rolling out a new tool to help detect lung cancer. A 40-foot truck with CT scanner on board launched last week, marking what the health system says is the first mobile lung screening program in the state.”

Amid funding concerns, promising lung cancer vaccines could be available in next few years
“Ongoing clinical trials to develop a lung cancer vaccine to treat or prevent the most deadly form of cancer in the U.S. could be available to patients in “the next few years,” Dr. Stephen Liu, who works at Georgetown University’s cancer center. “I’m optimistic that in the next few years, we’ll see one that’s ready for patients,” Liu told WTOP, amid ongoing concerns about funding cuts and research priorities of the new Trump administration.”

Big Tobacco: Still Selling Women a Pack of Lies
“Research has found that women’s smoking rates have not declined as quickly as men, and each year more than 200,000 women will die of tobacco related disease in the U.S., and an estimated 1.5 million worldwide. Currently, more than 10% of women report smoking cigarettes regularly, meaning either every day or most days. This is particularly worrying because women face unique health risks from tobacco use. During Women’s History Month we are looking at how Big Tobacco has targeted women, and the impact tobacco has on women’s health.”

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Stanford professor with terminal cancer uses his experience to teach special course

Continued Atezolizumab Shows Durable Benefit in Pretreated ES-SCLC
“Continuation therapy with atezolizumab (Tecentriq) following progression on first-line chemo-immunotherapy produced promising efficacy and manageable safety in a small cohort of patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), according to findings from a pooled analysis study published in Clinical and Experimental Medicine.”

Unraveling the genetic differences between LUAD and LUSC in lung cancer
“Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality, with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) representing the most prevalent subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite their classification under the same umbrella, these two forms of lung cancer exhibit distinct genetic landscapes, therapeutic targets, and treatment responses.”

FDA Grants Rhenium Obisbemeda Orphan Drug Status for LM in Lung Cancer
“The FDA has granted orphan drug designation (ODD) to rhenium (186Re) obisbemeda for the potential treatment of patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) in patients with lung cancer. Rhenium obisbemeda is a novel, injectable radiotherapy. The agent was just evaluated in the phase 1/2a ReSPECT-LM trial (NCT05034497) for patients with LM, as well as in the in the phase 1/2 ReSPECT-GBM trial (NCT01906385) for patients with recurrent glioblastoma.”

A New PD-L1 Nanobody Enhances Cell Death in Lung Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo
“Conclusion: The new PD-L1 nanobody substantially improved upon the FDA-approved PD-L1 monoclonal antibody by surpassing the disadvantage of having large molecular weight (MW) and low tissue penetration. The cytotoxicity and antitumor ability of PD-L1 nanobody, in vitro and in vivo, also support its potential as a therapeutic agent for lung cancer immunotherapy.”

Lung cancer disparities in rural, persistent poverty counties: a secondary data analysis
“Conclusions: Smoking, lung cancer incidence, and lung cancer mortality are highest in counties that are both rural and persistent poverty, suggesting an urgent need to develop targeted lung cancer interventions in these communities.”

When ‘Acceptable’ is Unacceptable: A Call for Objectivity in Cancer Trial Results
““Tolerable.” “Manageable.” “Acceptable.” Those are terms that crop up often when researchers report on early-phase clinical trials of new treatments for lung cancer at medical conferences. But do terms like these accurately describe the side effects caused by experimental treatments?”

Can Systematic Immune Inflammation Predict Survival in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for NSCLC?
“A high pretreatment systemic immune-inflammation index level is associated with worse survival outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who receive immune checkpoint inhibitors, according to a recent study.”

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FDA Approval of Ensacove Adds to the Toolkit for ALK-Positive NSCLC
“Ensacove (ensartinib) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have not previously received an ALK-inhibitor.”

Lung Cancer Cases Rising In Non-Smoking Women: Risk Factors & Causes
“According to the World Health Organisation’s cancer sector, the number of lung cancer diagnoses among nonsmokers is rising, particularly among women. As per the research published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, lung adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent form of lung cancer in nonsmokers, causes about 60% of lung cancer cases in women and 45% in men. Globally, there were about 2.5 million new instances of lung cancer detected in 2022, up 300,000 from 2020.”

For cancer patients, oncologists often have the final word
“For terminally ill cancer patients, the final days of life are immensely personal, having the choice to continue cancer treatments, or to stop treatments and prioritize a more comfortable passing. What a patient wants, however, isn’t always what they receive, according to a Rutgers Health study published in the journal Cancer.”

Trastuzumab Rezetecan Is Safe, Efficacious for Patients With HER2-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: Trastuzumab rezetecan achieved a 73% objective response rate in HER2-mutated NSCLC patients, surpassing trastuzumab deruxtecan in efficacy. The HORIZON-Lung trial involved 94 patients, assessing safety, tolerability, and efficacy of trastuzumab rezetecan in advanced NSCLC.”

OCFA firefighters among hundreds helping research health effects of Eaton and Palisades fires
“CYPRESS, Calif. (KABC) — A fire captain with the Orange County Fire Authority who survived cancer has teamed up with the University of Arizona and other partners to research the effects of exposure to carcinogens and other toxins to firefighters during the Eaton and Palisades fires.”

First Patient With Small Cell Lung Cancer Dosed With Peluntamig
“The multi-center, first-in-human, open-label, phase 2/3 SKYBRIDGE study is investigating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and initial efficacy of peluntamig in patients with advanced or refractory cancers expressing DLL3. Additionally, a phase 1 trial of peluntamig is being conducted in China. The study plans to enroll and estimated 203 patients as submitted in 2024.”

AI successfully reduces workload in lung cancer screening
“A study by researchers from the University of Liverpool and the Research Institute for Diagnostic Accuracy, Netherlands, has demonstrated that artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly improve the efficiency of lung cancer screening.”

Sweet potato extracts slow breast and lung cancer growth, study finds
“A study led by researchers from Tennessee State University, USA, has found that methanolic extracts of sweet potato leaves and stems can inhibit the growth of breast and lung cancer cells. The findings are published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.”

Vaccines: the next frontier of lung cancer treatment and prevention
“Dr Keith Knutson, a Mayo Clinic Immunologist and Cancer Vaccine Researcher, talks to ITIJ about the potential for vaccines to help treat and prevent types of cancer”

Biond Biologics to Regain Full Rights to BND-22, a Novel Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Targeting the ILT2 Receptor
“Following positive results from the Phase 1 dose escalation study, BND-22 (SAR444881) is now being tested in Phase 2 trials as monotherapy for patients with cholangiocarcinoma and in combination with cetuximab in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC).”

NP leader scores $750,000 grant with hopes of boosting lung cancer screening uptake by the thousands
“A noted nurse practitioner and researcher has scored a $750,000 grant, which will help her team to potentially boost lung cancer screening uptake by the thousands. Lisa Carter-Bawa, PhD, MPH, is a behavioral scientist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience as an NP. She’s part of a group of experts at Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey, which has a plan to partner with community groups to improve awareness around low-dose CT.”

Lung Cancer Biomarker Testing & Screening Lag Behind
“While biomarker testing can help determine the choice of treatment, the report shows that insurance coverage for biomarker testing is only required in some states. Only 15 states require insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing, five states require some plans to cover testing, and 30 states and Washington, DC, do not require any coverage of biomarker testing.”

LUPER Study Evaluates Lurbinectedin Plus Pembrolizumab in Relapsed SCLC
“Lurbinectedin plus pembrolizumab demonstrated “promising efficacy” in patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC), according to results from the phase 1/2 LUPER study.”

Utahns face elevated risk of radon, non-smoking lung cancer. Here’s where that risk is higher.
“Kerri Robbins loves her home, so it was terrible to find out it made her sick. Robbins is one of thousands of Utahns who have developed lung cancer after radon exposure. Utah has the lowest rate of smoking in the nation, but lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the state, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.”

Mays Cancer Center continues collaboration with American Cancer Society to expand lung cancer screenings
“Mays Cancer Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is proud to announce the American Cancer Society’s continued support for its lung cancer screening program. The gift is a $30,000 contribution to UT Health San Antonio’s Primary Care Center locations to appoint a lung cancer screening navigator and to help raise awareness about the program throughout San Antonio and South Texas. The program was funded by Crucial Catch, a partnership between the National Football League (NFL) and the American Cancer Society, promoting prevention and early detection of cancer.”

Advanced lung cancer inflammation index: a key predictor of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis severity
“The Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index (ALI) reflects levels of systemic inflammation and nutrient metabolism in patients. However, The connection between ALI and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis remains unclear. This study aims to explore the potential association between ALI, the Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP), and Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM), offering new perspectives for the prevention of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.”

POU2F2⁺ B cells enhance antitumor immunity and predict better survival in non small cell lung cancer
“This study elucidates the significant role of POU2F2⁺ B cells in influencing survival and immune cell infiltration in NSCLC. Our findings highlight POU2F2 as a novel target for NSCLC immunotherapy. Targeting POU2F2 may modulate the tumor immune microenvironment, enhance the infiltration and activity of critical immune cells, and ultimately improve patient survival.”

‘Anyone can get it’: 2 Pittsburghers launch chapter of lung cancer support group
“Jacqueline Nixon of Bridgeville and Joi Kiley of McCandless aim to offer education and an ear.”

Tragedy Inspires Teen to Champion for a Tobacco-Free Future
“Amyrah M. is a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-area high school student who lost her mother to lung cancer when she was just 14 years old. “My mom would smoke quite often,” said Amyrah, who first learned of the dangers of smoking at school. “I would go home and tell her that smoking is bad for you. She knew it was, but it was hard for her to quit.””

BMS shares overall survival results for Opdivo in phase 3 lung cancer trial
“The final analysis of the trial demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in the key secondary endpoint of OS for Opdivo-treated patients compared to those receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone.”

FDA Grants Priority Review to Zongertinib for Treatment of HER2-Mutated, Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: Zongertinib, a TKI, received FDA priority review for HER2-mutated NSCLC, showing significant treatment potential. Beamion LUNG-1 trial results showed a 71% ORR, 69% PFS, and 73% DoR, with a favorable safety profile.”

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Atlanta barbers fight lung cancer with talk and trims in new campaign

Dr. Nieva Shares Insights From Epidemiology of Young Lung Cancer Trial

2 Immunotherapies Show Comparable Benefits in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy significantly improve survival in ES-SCLC compared with chemotherapy alone. No significant difference in overall survival or progression-free survival was found between PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors.”

FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to IBI363 for Squamous NSCLC
“Key Takeaways: IBI363 received FDA fast track designation for squamous NSCLC after prior anti–PD-(L)1 therapy and chemotherapy. Phase 1 trial data showed a 50% ORR and 88.9% DCR at a 3-mg/kg dose, with median PFS not reached.”

‘Off-Grid’ Electrical Activity Drives Tumor Growth in Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Researchers from the Francis Crick Institute in London discovered aggressive lung cancer cells capable of forming their own electrical network, much like the body’s own nervous system. The findings, published in Nature, suggest that this property could make lung cancer cells less dependent on the environment surrounding tumors, allowing them to spread more easily around the body.”

Lung Cancer Is Rising in Non-Smokers, And This Could Be Why
“While the number of smokers in the world as a proportion of the population is dropping, lung cancer continues to cause almost 2 million deaths per year – and new research reports on a concerning rise in cases among people who’ve never lit up a cigarette.”

DNA’s organization influences the risk of smoking-induced lung cancer
“The study from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, led by Prof. Sheera Adar and her graduate student Elisheva Heilbrun-Katz from The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada in the Faculty of Medicine in collaboration with Prof. Raluca Gordan from Duke University and the University of Massachusetts, has uncovered how the structure and chemical modifications of DNA affect the damage caused by cigarette smoke and the body’s ability to repair it. This breakthrough helps explain how smoking leads to lung cancer.”

Lung lesion volume doubling times associated with survival metrics
“The takeaway? Volume doubling time is “widely accepted as a key indicator of the growth rate of lung nodules, reflecting biologic aggressiveness and prognosis for those nodules corresponding with cancer,” the group wrote. “For part-solid lesions, volume doubling time of the solid component may be expected to have greater prognostic utility than volume doubling time of the whole lesion, given the greater association of the solid component than ground-glass component of such lesions with pathologically invasive cancer.””

Genprex Collaborators Find NPRL2 Gene Therapy Using Oncoprex® Delivery System is a Potential Treatment for Anti-PD1 Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 13, 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 that its research collaborators at a major cancer research center in Houston, Texas have published a new study in eLife titled, “NPRL2 gene therapy induces effective antitumor immunity in KRAS/STK11 mutant anti-PD1 resistant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a humanized mouse model.””

New Study May Lead to More Personalizing Lung Cancer Treatments
“Dr. Momcilovic’s goal is to develop better, personalized treatments for lung cancer by understanding each patient’s unique tumor characteristics and finding the right therapy for them. She hopes to figure out why some treatments work for certain patients but not others, identify biomarkers that can predict which treatments will work, and discover new combination therapies that might be more effective than current standard-of-care treatments.”

Cancer’s ripple effect may promote blood clots in lungs
“Blood clots form in response to signals from the lungs of cancer patients – not from other organ sites, as previously thought – according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and University of California San Diego Health.”

Lung Cancer Among Non-Smokers Increasing
“Rates of lung cancer diagnoses among people who have never smoked are rising, according to the World Health Organization’s cancer agency. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that lung cancer is now the fifth highest cause of cancer deaths worldwide among people who have never smoked. In particular, this demographic is almost exclusively experiencing adenocarcinoma, one of four primary sub-types of the disease.”

FDA Grants Breakthrough Device Designation to Serial CTRS AI Model for NSCLC
“Key Takeaways: Serial CTRS, an AI-based tool, stratifies NSCLC patients into high- or low-risk mortality categories, enhancing personalized care. The tool demonstrated improved overall survival predictions over standard methods in a multi-institutional study.”

Weakness in lung cancer’s defenses found—an enzyme that boosts cancer cell metabolism
“Lung cancer is a particularly challenging form of cancer. It often strikes unexpectedly and aggressively with little warning, and it can shapeshift in unpredictable ways to evade treatment.”

Intricacies of EGFR-Mutated NSCLC Care From the Patient Perspective
“In the constantly evolving field of EGFR-mutated NSCLC, physicians, nurses, patients, and caregivers face new questions as efficacy and safety data improve.”

Genetic Sensitivity to Stress: A Possible Link to Lung Cancer Risk
“It’s common knowledge that stress can affect physical and mental health, but does it impact the chance of developing lung cancer? The answer might be yes, according to a study published last month in JAMA Network Open. The results point to a possible connection between stress sensitivity and lung cancer risk, with individuals who are genetically more sensitive to stress and adversity possibly facing a higher risk of developing lung cancer.”

AI/ML-Based Software Improves Diagnostic Accuracy in Lung Cancer
“Eyonis™ Lung Cancer Screening (LCS), a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning–based computer-aided detection (CADe)/diagnosis (CADx) software as a medical device, has met the primary end point of the multi-case, multi-reader, retrospective RELIVE trial (NCT06751576), according to a press release from the developer, Median Technologies.”

Why PD-L1 expression varies between studies of lung cancer: results from a Bayesian meta-analysis
“PD-L1 expression is an important biomarker for the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but has been highly heterogeneous across studies. We developed a statistical model to reconcile conflicting estimates of PD-L1 prevalence by accounting for between-study variation in test sensitivity, specimen age, and laboratory count. In doing so, we obtained refined estimates for PD-L1 expression prevalence and identified differences by histological subtype, mutational status, and stage.”

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Sublobar Resection in Early-Stage NSCLC: Thoracic Surgeon Shares Insights From New Research
“Robert E. Merritt, MD, MBA, FACS, of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, joined Lung Cancers Today to discuss key takeaways from his research on sublobar resection in early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for both patients and health care professionals.”

Does Your Home Harbor a Killer?
“HIGH POINT, N.C., Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — January is Radon Action Month, a vital time for individuals and communities to learn about radon risks and take action. This week, designated as National Radon Awareness Week by the CDC, the Lung Cancer Action Network (LungCAN) urges everyone to test their homes for radon and reduce exposure to this silent threat.”

Emerging Therapies Shine Hope on Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment
“Key Takeaways: Novel therapies targeting molecular pathways, including DLL3 and PARP inhibitors, show promise in improving SCLC survival outcomes. Tarlatamab, a DLL3-targeting bispecific T-cell engager, achieved a 35.3% ORR and 20.3 months median overall survival in trials.”

Anatomic Lung Resection May Be Linked to Improved Survival in Early-Stage NSCLC
“Anatomic lung resections such as lobectomy and segmentectomy may be associated with improved long-term survival in patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with wedge resection, according to new findings presented at the 2025 Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Annual Meeting.”

Clean energy is key to reducing lung cancer deaths
“As an oncologist, I can’t forget some of my patients’ stories. One of those belongs to a mother of two I diagnosed at age 35 with non-small cell lung cancer. She was a physician and a long-distance runner who had never smoked a day in her life. She died of metastatic lung cancer about two years after her diagnosis.”

A community-based approach to address lung cancer screening disparities in the black community using the Witness Project^® framework: development and pilot trial
“Disparities in lung cancer outcomes persist among Black Americans, necessitating targeted interventions to address screening inequities. This paper reports the development and refinement of Witness Project^® Lung, a community-based initiative tailored to the specific needs of the Black community, aiming to improve awareness and engagement with lung cancer screening.”

PD-1, PD-L1-Targeting Agent Shows Promise in Treatment of Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: NSCLC accounts for 87% of lung cancer cases, with only 25%-30% of patients responding to treatment, necessitating advanced therapies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including bsAbs, have improved outcomes by offering targeted treatments with enhanced safety profiles.”

TROPION-Lung12 Phase 3 Trial Initiated Evaluating DATROWAY® as Part of Adjuvant Regimen for Patients with Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer at High Risk of Relapse
“TOKYO & BASKING RIDGE, N.J., January 31, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The first patient has been dosed in the TROPION-Lung12 phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of adjuvant DATROWAY® (datopotamab deruxtecan) plus rilvegostomig or rilvegostomig monotherapy versus standard of care in patients with stage 1 adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after complete surgical resection who are ctDNA-positive or have other high risk pathological features.”

Data Help Refine Optimal Radiotherapy Approaches in Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: No further fractionation studies are needed for LS-SCLC radiotherapy; focus shifts to adaptive therapy and FLASH radiotherapy for improved outcomes. SCLC incidence is declining, with a more balanced gender distribution; updated staging criteria are crucial for radiotherapy candidacy.”

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Boston hospital pioneers new, easier lung cancer treatment

Protecting Medicaid for People with Lung Cancer
“When Wynn first went to the hospital for a collapsed lung, she didn’t have health insurance and believed that she did not get the care she needed. Doctors did an x-ray and dealt with the immediate problem, but did not order additional diagnostic tests to investigate the cause of the collapsed lung. “I felt that because I didn’t have insurance, the hospital did not do a thorough check,” said Wynn.”

Lung cancer survivor, advocate encourage Coloradans to conduct radon testing
“Heidi Nafman-Onda, a lung cancer survivor, and Dr. Pierre Onda are using National Radon Action Month to warn of the dangers of radon and what you can do to protect yourself.”

The Power of Unity: Why the Lung Cancer Genetics Study Matters
“Key Takeaways: The Lung Cancer Genetics Study aims to identify genetic variations linked to lung cancer, enhancing risk assessments and treatment strategies. Collaboration between 23andMe and lung cancer advocates emphasizes patient-centered research, uniting diverse stakeholders for a common goal.”

Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation During Lobectomy for Lung Cancer Is Safe, Cost-Effective
“Intercostal nerve cryoablation during lobectomy for lung cancer is a safe and cost-effective therapy that significantly reduces hospital length of stay, hospital costs, and postoperative opioid use, according to study results published in Pain Therapy.”

New copper detection tool may lead to lung cancer treatment breakthrough
“The Chang Lab at Princeton Chemistry continues in its mission to elucidate the role of metal nutrients in human biology: last year, iron; this year, copper. The lab’s first paper of 2025 showcases its development of a revelatory sensing probe for the detection of copper in human cells and then wields it to uncover how copper may be regulating cell growth in lung cancer.”

Genprex Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 2 Expansion Portion of Acclaim-3 Clinical Study of Reqorsa® Gene Therapy in Combination with Tecentriq® to Treat Small Cell Lung Cancer
“AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 23, 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 that the first patient has been enrolled and dosed in the Phase 2 expansion portion of the Company’s Acclaim-3 clinical study of Reqorsa® Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid) in combination with Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) as maintenance therapy for patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).”

Factors associated with lung cancer among firefighters: a systematic literature review
“This short review addresses the pressing issue of lung cancer among firefighters, a population facing unique occupational hazards such as smoke inhalation and asbestos exposure. With lung cancer being a leading global cause of death, the study emphasizes the disproportionate burden on firefighters.”

Local Consolidative Therapy Combo May Extend Survival in Stage IV NSCLC
“Local consolidative therapy (LCT) in combination with systemic chemotherapy may extend survival and achieve local control in a small cohort of patients with stage IV non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with oligometastases for whom chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for thoracic disease was feasible, according to findings from a single-arm phase 2 study (UMIN000022431) published in Radiation Oncology.”

Trilaciclib May Help Protect Against Chemotherapy Damage in Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Trilaciclib significantly reduced chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, which authors say minimizes the need for supportive care.”

Getting a Lung Cancer Diagnosis Was Shocking
“I have never smoked, and, as a physician, I’ve always looked after my health. I didn’t realize that my Asian heritage put me at a higher risk for the disease.”

ZL-1310 Receives Orphan Drug Designation in Small Cell Lung Cancer
“ZL-1310, a first-in-class DLL3 antibody-drug conjugate, has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for the treatment of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), according to a press release from the developer, Zai Lab.”

miR-224 activates cancer-associated fibroblasts to enhance lung cancer cell migration and invasion by targeting Akirin1
“Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) actively contribute to the formation of tumor-supportive microenvironments, thereby promoting cancer progression and impacting therapeutic outcomes. This study utilized global microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling to identify specific miRNAs responsible for reprogramming normal lung fibroblasts (LFs) into CAFs. miR-224 demonstrates increased expression in CAFs, and its levels are elevated in lung tumors compared to those in normal tissues, according to data from public databases.”

Datopotamab Deruxtecan Granted Priority Review in the U.S. for Patients with Previously Treated Advanced EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“TOKYO & BASKING RIDGE, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Daiichi Sankyo (TSE: 4568) and AstraZeneca’s (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) Biologics License Application (BLA) for datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) has been accepted and granted Priority Review in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFR-mutated) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have received prior systemic therapies, including an EGFR-directed therapy.”

FDA Grants Clearance for Phase 1b/2 Trial of SNB-101 in SCLC
“The FDA has granted clearance to the investigational new drug application of SNB-101 in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) treatment. A phase 1b/2 clinical trial plans to evaluate SNB-101 in this patient population. This achievement follows the FDA’s orphan drug designation to SNB-101 in SCLC in 2023 and its fast track designation in 2024.”

Investigators Have Uncovered Global Trends in Risk Factors Linked to Lung Cancer Mortality
“Although lung cancer and related cancer deaths decreased in the world’s 10 most populous countries from 1990 to 2019, these positive statistics may not address trends in mortality linked to tobacco use, air pollution, and asbestos exposure, according to a recent study published by Jani et al in eClinicalMedicine. The findings suggested that these areas need ongoing policy measures and research to further reduce mortality rates.”

Joint Study Aims To Use Simple Blood Test To Detect Lung Cancer
“Moffitt Cancer Center has joined forces with Cizzle Biotechnology to advance early-stage lung cancer detection. The UK diagnostics company has been focused identifying a new lung cancer biomarker, CIZ1B, through a simple blood sample.”

Study Finds Travel Distance to Lung Cancer Screening Facilities Differs by Race and Ethnicity
“Lung cancer is the second most common cancer, excluding skin cancer, diagnosed in men and women in the United States. And despite advances in treatment for the disease, which have led to improved survival rates, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, with individuals of color and those living in rural areas of the country experiencing the worst outcomes.”

LUNGevity Issues Four RFAs in Support of the Lung Cancer Research Workforce
“WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s leading lung cancer-focused nonprofit organization, is excited to issue four Requests for Applications (RFAs) in their continued effort to improve outcomes for patients with lung cancer.”

Even Low Levels of ctDNA May Be Linked to Recurrence Risk in Early Lung Cancer, Study Finds
“Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States, but high recurrence rates persist for patients with early-stage disease. A recent study published by Black et al in Nature Medicine has found that even very low traces of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may be linked to increased recurrence risk in patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, suggesting a potential role for more sensitive personalized genomic tests to guide treatment.”

Wildfire Smoke Exposure Heightens Lung Cancer Risks and Complicates Patient Outcomes
“Key Takeaways: Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5, linked to increased lung cancer risk and chronic health conditions. Firefighters face a 43% increased lung cancer mortality risk due to smoke exposure.”

OS Therapies’ HER2 drug prevented lung cancer from returning in a 3rd of patients
“OS Therapies’ HER2-focused immunotherapy prevented patients’ lung cancer from returning in 33% of cases, hitting the primary goal of a phase 2 trial. The therapy, dubbed OST-HER2, uses a HER2-bioengineered form of the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes to trigger an immune response against cancer cells expressing HER2. OS Therapies had been testing the drug in a phase 2b trial in 39 patients between the ages of 12 and 39.”

Lung cancer diagnoses in American women outpace men for first time
“Cancer incidence young and middle-aged women is rising, driven in part by a growing number of new lung cancer cases that are striking women more than men for the first time, per updated American Cancer Society statistics.”

Improved Radon Maps Can Help Prevent Lung Cancer in the U.S.
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States. The odorless, invisible gas is naturally released from soil, rocks, and water, and can build up in homes when it enters through cracks in the foundation. Increasing awareness and prevention of radon exposure have been goals of the Biden Cancer Moonshot initiative in recent years. In November, the White House convened a roundtable of radon researchers to share their expertise, including Longxiang Li, ScD, assistant professor of environmental health at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health. Li shared insights from his efforts to update nationwide radon concentration maps, which were recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.”

FDA Targets Nicotine to Reduce Lung Cancer and Other Tobacco-Related Diseases
“On Wednesday, the FDA announced a proposed a rule that would significantly reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products, making them minimally or non-addictive, a groundbreaking move that could drastically reduce smoking-related illnesses and deaths in the US.”

American Lung Association Disappointed About Ruling in Graphic Warning Labels Case
“This week, U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker in Tyler, Texas, ruled in favor of tobacco industry plaintiffs that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cannot proceed with its rule to require graphic warning labels on cigarette packages until the legal challenge to the rule is resolved.”