Top Lung Cancer Stories from October: Insights, and Patient Journeys

October brought several updates in the lung cancer field, ranging from notable trial results to patient-centered perspectives on navigating treatment and survivorship. Below, we recap five standout articles that reflect the latest advancements, guidance, and patient voices in lung cancer care.

Tagrisso Combo Offers Survival Benefit in EGFR+ NSCLC

One highlight included the presentation of exploratory data from the phase 3 FLAURA2 trial, showing that combining Tagrisso (osimertinib) with platinum-based chemotherapy and pemetrexed improved survival in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). According to the analysis, the median overall survival was 47.5 months for patients receiving the combination versus 37.6 months for those treated with Tagrisso alone.

Lead study author Dr. Pasi A. Jänne emphasized that these findings were consistent, noting that patients with liver metastases, as well as those with TP53 alterations, experienced meaningful survival improvements. FLAURA2’s design included patients with previously untreated, pathologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC harboring EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, with treatment regimens allowing for maintenance therapy with Tagrisso plus pemetrexed after induction.

Managing the Emotional and Physical Side Effects During Lung Cancer Treatment

Addressing the often-overlooked emotional and physical challenges of lung cancer, Brittney Nichols, registered nurse and senior science/research specialist at GO2 for Lung Cancer, shared strategies to help patients navigate treatment-related effects.

Nichols stressed that lung cancer care extends beyond physical treatment. “No matter how it feels, you are not alone. There is hope,” she said in an interview with CURE, emphasizing that advances in treatment and supportive care have enabled patients to live longer, healthier lives while managing side effects effectively.

Programs such as LungMATCH provide personalized guidance on clinical trials and emerging therapies, allowing patients to make informed decisions and gain confidence in their care journey.

FDA Approves Zepzelca and Tecentriq Combo in Small Cell Lung Cancer

In regulatory news, the FDA approved Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) in combination with Tecentriq (atezolizumab) or Tecentriq Hybreza for adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) whose disease did not progress after first-line induction therapy. The approval was based on findings from the IMforte trial, which demonstrated improved median overall survival (13.2 months vs. 10.6 months) and progression-free survival (5.4 months vs. 2.1 months) in patients receiving the combination therapy compared with Tecentriq alone.

Dr. Prantesh Jain, a medical oncologist at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, in Buffalo, New York, where he also serves as an assistant professor of Oncology in the Department of Medicine who also works at the State University of New York at Buffalo as a clinical assistant professor, noted that this represents a practice-changing advance in an interview with CURE.

The study also reported higher confirmed objective response rates with the combination therapy, affirming its significance despite increases in hematologic toxicity.

Helping Newly Diagnosed Patients Understand Lung Cancer

CURE’s overview for newly diagnosed patients provided a comprehensive guide to understanding lung cancer, including differences between non-small cell and small cell subtypes, staging, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options. Experts in the oncology landscape emphasized the rapid evolution of therapies, from targeted treatments for EGFR mutations to advances in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.

The guide also addressed supportive care, managing side effects, and emotional well-being, reinforcing that personalized treatment plans and survivorship strategies are key to optimizing patient outcomes. With early detection and tailored therapies, patients can navigate their treatment journey with greater confidence and clarity.

An Expert Explained How Lung Cancer Helped Save Her Life

Finally, a personal narrative highlighted the impact of a lung cancer diagnosis on life perspective and purpose. Sue McCarthy, a stage 3B lung cancer survivor, shared her journey through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, reaching remission just before the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience prompted reflection and lifestyle changes, fostering renewed focus on what mattered to her and giving back to other cancer patients.

References

1. “Tagrisso Plus Chemo Offers Survival benefit in EGFR+ NSCLC,” by Chris Ryan. CURE; Oct. 17, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/tagrisso-plus-chemo-offers-survival-benefit-in-egfr-nsclc
2. “Managing Emotional and Physical Side Effects of Lung Cancer Treatment,” by Ryan Scott. CURE; Oct. 15, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/managing-emotional-and-physical-side-effects-of-lung-cancer-treatment
3. “FDA Approves Zepzelca Plus Tecentriq for Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer,” by Alex Biese. CURE; Oct. 2, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/fda-approves-zepzelca-plus-tecentriq-for-extensive-stage-small-cell-lung-cancer
4. “Recent SCLC Data May Impact How Patients Are Treated Day-to-Day,” by Ryan Scott. CURE; June 18, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/recent-sclc-data-may-impact-how-patients-are-treated-day-to-day
5. “Lung Cancer Basics for Newly Diagnosed Patients,” by Spencer Feldman. CURE; Oct. 2, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/lung-cancer-basics-for-newly-diagnosed-patients
6. “How Lung Cancer Helped to Save My Life,” by Sue McCarthy. CURE; Oct. 2, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/how-lung-cancer-helped-to-save-my-life

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