Expert Explains Need for Better Outcomes in Resectable Lung Cancer

The final results of the RATIONALE-315 trial showed that adding immunotherapy before and after surgery helped adults with resectable non-small cell lung cancer live longer compared with standard chemotherapy alone, according to a news release from BeOne. This data was presented as late-breaking research at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer in Barcelona.

The treatment combines Tevimbra (tislelizumab) with chemotherapy before surgery, then continues as tislelizumab alone afterward. The benefit was seen across major groups of patients, and the safety profile remained consistent with what has been reported.

Dr. Mariano Provencio, head of the oncology department at Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda in Spain, said patients in the early stages of lung cancer still face a high chance of recurrence even if their tumor is completely removed. In a video interview with CURE, he explained that treating micrometastatic disease during the perioperative period is meant to improve survival for those most at risk. This approach aims to prevent recurrence and reduce deaths after surgery.

Transcript

Can you please explain what the RATIONALE-315 trial is?

This is a historical moment because we have to understand well what the scenario is that we are talking about, the scenario in lung cancer in early or intermediate stages, even with complete resection, complete removal of all the tumor. After surgery, patients have a very poor prognosis compared with other cancers. For example, after surgery, after complete removal, the overall survival is around 50%. That means more than 50% of patients with early-stage disease, even with complete removal of the tumor, are going to die.

In this situation, this perioperative trial tries to improve the survival of these patients, and this is the situation to treat patients with high risk of recurrence, high risk of death, and to treat this micrometastatic disease.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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