Lung Cancer Weekly News

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.”

Sensome Announces Enrollment Completion in First-in-Human Study of In Situ Tumor Detection System for Lung Cancer
“PARIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#bronchoscopy–Sensome, the pioneer of microsensing technology for real-time, intra-operative tissue analysis, announced today it has completed enrollment in the first-in-human INSPECT study of its novel technology, being developed to detect cancerous tissue in situ during transbronchial biopsy of endobronchial and peripheral tumors.”

Stanford Study Links Immune Cell Spatial Patterns to Immunotherapy Outcomes in Lung Cancer
“A recent study conducted by researchers at Stanford University has identified a potential link between the spatial organization of immune cells within tumors and patient responses to immunotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer. The findings suggest that the arrangement of immune cells around tumors could serve as a more accurate predictor of treatment outcomes compared to current biomarker tests.”

Operation Hope: How Federally Funded Research Helped Navy Veteran Beat Lung Cancer and Pneumonitis
“Newswise — It started with a bit of blood. In April 2013, then 68-year-old John Ryan checked in with his primary care physician after he suddenly began to cough up trace amounts of blood. One emergency room trip and several tests later, the 30-year Navy veteran was told to prepare for his toughest battle yet: stage 4 non-small-cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma.”

EQUAL Study Launches Lung Cancer Screening Trial for People at High Risk
“Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers have launched a study of a novel, homegrown blood test in hopes of identifying people who are at an elevated risk of lung cancer – despite never having used tobacco – and screen them for the disease. The team, led by principal investigator and thoracic oncologist Narjust Florez, MD, associate director of Dana-Farber’s Cancer Care Equity Program, designed the study in response to rising rates of lung cancer in younger people and prevalence in individuals of Asian or Hispanic/Latinx descent who have never used tobacco.”

American Lung Association Addresses Recent Study About Radiation in CT Scans
“Last month, JAMA Internal Medicine published an article, Projected Lifetime Cancer Risks From Current Computed Tomography Imaging, that uses risk modeling to suggest that radiation from Computed Tomography (CT) scans would contribute to a significant amount of new cancer diagnosis.”

New biomarker may guide best use of KRAS inhibitors in lung cancer
“Key Takeaways: Lung cancer patients with high TTF-1 expression had improved survival outcomes following treatment with the KRAS inhibitor, sotorasib. This biomarker may help physicians determine those most likely to benefit from sotorasib and those who may need alternative or combination therapies. TTF-1 is a readily available biomarker commonly used for lung cancer diagnostics.”

Life-Saving Surgery in Lung Cancer May Be Uncovered Through Information-Seeking
“After observing minimal recurrence following 70 double lung resections within Northwestern’s Double lung transplant REgistry Aimed for lung-limited Malignancies (DREAM) program, Ankit Bharat, MBBS, suggested that stage IV lung cancer may be curable during an interview with CancerNetwork®.”

Western North Carolina VA Leads in Early Lung Cancer Detection
“A hybrid operating room at the medical center allows for real time imaging to spot early-stage lung cancers and then remove them in a minimally invasive procedure. This cuts time between assessment, testing and, treatment—when it comes to cancer, time is everything.”

Merck, Daiichi pull approval application for ADC in lung cancer
“Merck & Co. and Daiichi Sankyo have withdrawn an approval application in the U.S. for a lung cancer drug at the center of a multibillion-dollar alliance the companies formed two years ago. In a short statement Thursday, the companies said they’ve pulled a Food and Drug Administration submission for an experimental therapy known as patritumab deruxtecan.”

UNMC researchers find promising target for lung cancer treatment
“A UNMC research team, including postdoctoral research associate Muthamil Iniyan Appadurai, PhD, and assistant professor Imayavaramban Lakshmanan, PhD, has identified a novel mechanism that may help explain not only how lung cancer evades the immune system but also uncovered a potential new therapeutic target.”

To get more women screened for lung cancer, combine it with a mammogram
“When it comes to cancer prevention, certain body parts get more due diligence than others. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of both men and women in the U.S., but you wouldn’t know it by the attention it receives. Only 5% of those eligible for lung cancer screening receive the recommended imaging. In contrast, 72% of women eligible for breast cancer screening undergo regular mammograms, and a similar percentage of eligible men and women are screened for colon cancer. That’s despite the fact that lung cancer kills around 50% more women than breast cancer every year in the U.S.”

Molecularly Guided Chemotherapy Boosts Survival in Early NSCLC
“The interim analysis of the international, multicenter, prospective, randomized AIM-HIGH trial (NCT01817192) revealed a substantial improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) at 24 months for patients with stage IA to IIA nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) identified as high risk by a 14-gene molecular assay who received adjuvant chemotherapy, according to data presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting press briefing on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.”

New York Lawmakers Remove Barriers to Lung Cancer Screening, Passing A1195-A / S2000-A
“Earlier today, the New York State Senate voted to remove barriers to lung cancer screening in New York State, passing critical legislation to better equip New Yorkers to detect and treat lung cancer. S2000-A / A1195-A ensures comprehensive insurance coverage for lung cancer screening and eliminates cost sharing for recommended lung cancer screening, follow-up scans and diagnostic tests for asymptomatic individuals by all payers in the state.”

DATROWAY® Continues to Show Promising Tumor Responses as Part of Combination Regimens in Patients with Early and Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“TROPION-Lung02 and TROPION-Lung04 phase 1b results support combination of Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca’s DATROWAY with immunotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic NSCLC. TROPION-Lung02 results include first exploratory QCS analysis of DATROWAY in first-line setting. NeoCOAST-2 phase 2 results continue to show potential for DATROWAY plus durvalumab and single-agent platinum chemotherapy in neoadjuvant setting.”

Adagrasib/Pembrolizumab Yields Improved Survival in KRAS G12C-Mutated NSCLC
“Adagrasib (Krazati) plus pembrolizumab (Keytruda) improved efficacy for patients with KRAS G12C-mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to results from the phase 2 KRYSTAL-7 trial (NCT04613596) presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.”

Amgen drug cuts small cell lung cancer death risk by 40%
“June 2 (Reuters) – Amgen’s (AMGN.O), opens new tab Imdelltra reduced the risk of death by 40% compared to chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer patients whose disease had worsened after an initial round of chemo, according to interim data from a late-stage trial presented at a major medical meeting on Monday. The Phase 3 trial of 509 patients showed that Imdelltra extended median overall survival by more than five months to 13.6 months, compared with 8.3 months for standard-of-care chemotherapy, the company said.”

Immunotherapy before surgery improves lung cancer survival in global clinical trial led by Irish cancer specialist
“Results from a phase 3 clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, today (June 2nd) show that patients with lung cancer who received an immunotherapy drug, nivolumab, along with standard chemotherapy before surgery had improved long term survival compared to those who received chemotherapy alone, at 5 years after completing treatment.”

AI model predicts future lung cancer risk from a single low-dose chest CT scan
“A deep learning model was able to predict future lung cancer risk from a single low-dose chest CT scan, according to new research published at the ATS 2025 International Conference. The model, called Sybil, which was originally developed using National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) data by investigators from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School, could be used to guide more personalized lung cancer screening strategies.”

Younger Patients With Lung Cancer Often Have Targetable Biomarkers
“Key Takeaways: Younger lung cancer patients frequently have targetable biomarkers, allowing for personalized therapies that can improve survival rates. Targeted therapies differ from traditional treatments, focusing on specific genetic changes, but may lead to resistance and require ongoing testing.”

More women under 65 are being diagnosed with lung cancer, Maryland doctor says
“A recent American Cancer Society study found that lung cancer incidence is now higher in women than in men under age 65. Women who have never smoked are more than twice as likely as men who have never smoked to develop the disease.”

Mutation profiles and clinicopathological correlations in lung squamous cell carcinoma
“Our study identified novel mutations and their relationships, such as NF1, PTEN, and PIK3CA, which have not been previously reported in LSCC and may have significant therapeutic and prognostic implications. Given the molecular heterogeneity observed in LSCC, it is imperative to ascertain the mutational profile in all LSCC patients to identify driver mutations that are amenable to targeted therapy. Our data suggest that certain histopathological features may be associated with mutations, providing reliable information to enhance treatment and follow-up decisions.”

Camrelizumab/Apatinib Plus Chemotherapy May Show Promise in ES-SCLC
“Combining camrelizumab and apatinib with chemotherapy as frontline treatment demonstrated promising activity in a small cohort of patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), according to findings from a phase 1 study (NCT05001412) published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.”

More evidence links physical activity with improved cancer survival
“A new large analysis led by American Cancer Society (ACS) researchers shows engaging in leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) after a cancer diagnosis improves survival for people with several cancer types, including bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, lung, oral, prostate, rectal, and respiratory cancer.”

I Have Stage IV Lung Cancer and Still Consider Myself the Luckiest Man in the World
“My goal is to live long enough to benefit from the next treatment breakthrough—and the next.”

Congress Votes to Allow Polluters to Increase Cancer-Causing Pollution
“Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Congressional Review Act Resolution of Disapproval (CRA) to repeal an important air pollution rule. The resolution was already passed by the Senate and, if it is signed into law, it will be the first drastic weakening of the Clean Air Act. The CRA would repeal a rule that helped ensure polluting facilities monitored and controlled their emissions and will likely lead to those facilities increasing the levels of toxic air pollution they emit.”

Novel Partnership Aims to Advance ctDNA Testing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Cleveland Clinic, the University of Minnesota and University of Cambridge receive $1M grant to develop point-of-care biosensor for early detection and treatment personalization.”

FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to ZL-1310 in Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: ZL-1310, targeting DLL3, shows early antitumor activity in extensive-stage SCLC, with 74% of patients experiencing tumor shrinkage or disappearance. The FDA’s fast track designation for ZL-1310 underscores the urgent need for new SCLC treatments and supports accelerated development.”

Brain structural alterations and cognitive dysfunction in lung cancer patients without brain metastasis
“This study explored the relationship between cognitive function and brain structure in lung cancer (LCs) patients without brain metastases and healthy controls (HCs). A cohort of 75 chemotherapy-naive LCs without brain metastases and 29 age-, sex-, and education-matched HCs underwent cognitive assessments and structural MRI. The MRI focused on cortical thickness, surface area, and volume of subcortical structures.”

Basal-shift transformation leads to EGFR therapy-resistance in human lung adenocarcinoma
“Although EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are effective for EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), resistance inevitably develops through diverse mechanisms, including secondary genetic mutations, amplifications and as-yet undefined processes.”

Final Overall Survival Data: Amivantamab-vmjw Plus Lazertinib vs Osimertinib in EGFR-Mutated Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
““The survival curve tells a clear story. Amivantamab plus lazertinib helps patients live longer, and the benefit keeps growing over time,” said trial investigator Nicolas Girard, MD, PhD, Head of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, and Professor of Thoracic Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, France. “We see the gap between the survival curves continue to widen, which is exactly what we want to see in lung cancer treatment to improve outcomes for patients. These results reinforce that we are entering a new era for EGFR-mutated non–small cell lung cancer.””

On the move: giant trucks to deliver lung cancer screening to remote communities
“A cardiologist’s vision to bring diagnostic cardiac services to the Queensland bush led to the creation of ‘Heart of Australia’ – a fleet of purpose-built clinics on wheels that will now be boosted to take the National Lung Cancer Screening Program to Australians living in rural, remote and First Nations communities.”

Biomarker Testing Remains Crucial for Young Patients With Lung Cancer
“Key Takeaways: Young lung cancer patients have a higher incidence of targetable biomarkers, necessitating comprehensive testing for ALK fusions and EGFR mutations. Repeat biomarker testing is essential when resistance to targeted therapies occurs, revealing new mutations and guiding treatment adjustments.”

A phenome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis reveals the genetical associations of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and Alzheimer’s disease with lung cancer
“Lung cancer is a complex disease with varying subtypes. The genetic architectures and risk factors that are similar or distinct among these subtypes remain unclear. In this work, Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted by the International Lung Cancer Consortium and transdisciplinary Research in Cancer of the Lung were utilized to illustrate the genetic landscapes of different subtypes of lung cancer.”

Fred Hutch study finds genetic driver of drug resistance in small cell lung cancer
“Researchers use CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool on tumor cells grown in mice to better model how tumors that initially respond to chemotherapy become resistant.”

Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins linked to poor outcomes for women with lung cancer
“Key takeaways: Female patients whose lung cancer had pregnancy-specific glycoprotein expression had worse survival outcomes. A treatment strategy that targets these proteins could improve outcomes.”

Immunotherapy in lung cancer brain metastases
“Brain metastases (BM) occur frequently in lung cancer, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Standard therapies have limited efficacy due to poor crossing of the blood-brain barrier and the distinct features between BM and the primary tumor. This review explores the immune landscape of brain metastatic disease, emerging immunotherapeutic strategies, and promising biomarkers in NSCLC patients.”

Study introduces heart-sparing technique in lung cancer radiotherapy
“A new study presented at ESTRO 2025 introduces the RAPID-RT study, which uses an innovative rapid-learning approach to evaluate the impact of treatment modifications in radiotherapy.”

Suppressing key enzymes could improve lung cancer treatment outcomes
“Blocking proteins that cause cancer cells to mutate and resist treatment could significantly improve outcomes for some patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer, according to a new Yale study.”

Cigna denies life-saving operation to man battling stage 4 cancer
“A man fighting for his life as he battles stage 4 cancer is asking for donations after his health insurance denied him a life-saving lung transplant. Deron Wells, 59, is battling advanced lung cancer and his doctors have approved him for a double transplant, a procedure that his loved ones have described as his “only path to survival.” However, Cigna Healthcare, his health insurer, has refused to authorize the transplant and the emergency medical transport needed to get him to the hospital for the operation.”

BioMark Diagnostics Announces Landmark Publication Validating High Specificity and Accuracy of Its Early-Stage Lung Cancer Test
“Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – May 12, 2025) – BioMark Diagnostics Inc. (CSE: BUX) (FSE: 20B) (OTCQB: BMKDF) (“BioMark”), a leading developer of liquid biopsy tests for early cancer detection, today announced the publication of a pivotal study as part of the special issue Molecular Pathogenesis and Diagnostics of Lung Diseases of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. The research, titled “Clinical Validation of Plasma Metabolite Markers for Early Lung Cancer Detection”, provides significant external validation for BioMark’s metabolomics and machine learning powered technology, particularly highlighting its high specificity and accuracy in detecting early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and differentiating it from other non-cancerous lung conditions.”