Throughout 2024, CURE covered a variety of stories in the lung cancer space, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
We compiled a list of the top stories in lung cancer, some of which focus on new treatment strategies like cancer vaccines.
Lower Keytruda Doses May Be as Effective as Standard Doses for Stage 4 NSCLC
Study findings have indicated that one-year survival rates were comparable in patients with stage 4 NSCLC receiving either a standard or reduced dose of Keytruda (pembrolizumab), thereby justifying continued enrollment in the NVALT-30 trial.
The study found no significant difference in overall survival between treatment groups. The one-year overall survival rates were 57.7% and 55% for the standard-dose and reduced-dose groups, respectively. Median overall survival was 17 months in the standard-dose group and 13.9 months in the reduced-dose group.
The reduced-dose group showed a slightly longer median progression-free survival (7.6 months) compared to the standard-dose group (6.9 months).
Cancer Vaccine for NSCLC Could Be Paradigm-Changing
New study results show that some patients with lung cancer and skin cancer maintained immune responses for 30 weeks after treatment with the mRNA-4157 cancer vaccine.
The phase 1 KEYNOTE-603 study, published in Cancer Discovery, showed that the combination of mRNA-4157 and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) produced anti-tumor responses in patients with resected NSCLC (four patients) and cutaneous melanoma (12 patients), providing insight into the potential of neoantigen therapies like mRNA-4157, according to a researcher speaking with CURE.
Radiation a Curative-Intent Option in NSCLC and Interstitial Lung Disease
Research suggests that stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is a viable curative treatment option for some patients with early-stage NSCLC and interstitial lung disease.
The study demonstrated a one-year overall survival rate of 79% and a median overall survival of 25 months. Median progression-free survival was 19 months, with a two-year local control rate of 92%.
Side effects included mild or moderate (grade 1-2) events in 30.8% of patients (12 patients), severe (grade 3) events in 10.3% (four patients) and fatal (grade 5) events due to respiratory deterioration in 7.7% (three patients).
‘Never Give Up’: Treatment Breakthroughs Arrive for SCLC
In the fall issue of CURE, the feature focused on treatment options and experiences in patients with SCLC. In particular, it highlights recent advancements in treatment, including the approval of Imdelltra (tarlatamab-dlle) and the positive results of the ADRIATIC trial. It also discusses the challenges of treating SCLC, such as its aggressive nature and the frequency of relapses. The feature emphasizes the importance of clinical trials and the hope that new treatments offer for patients.
FDA Approves Tepmetko for Metastatic NSCLC Subtype
In February 2024, Tepmetko (tepotinib) received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of adults with metastatic NSCLC characterized by MET exon 14 skipping alterations.
Having received accelerated approval in 2021 based on the VISION trial, Tepmetko's approval for this patient population was converted to traditional approval following additional follow-up to assess duration of response, the FDA reported.
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