Lung cancer
Refining first-line regimens for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer
Improving long-term survival remains an unmet need in the setting of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). This might be attributed at least in part to the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, which is characterized by immunosuppression, angiogenesis and vascularization.
Improved anti-EGFR strategies and other targeted innovations
In the first-line setting of EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as the third-generation agent osimertinib have been established as the standard of care, although treatment is followed by disease progression in most patients. Data on the combined administration of EGFR TKIs with chemotherapy suggest enhanced efficacy.
Detection and treatment of early-stage lung cancer: recent insights
Given the high incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer in Taiwan and the established association between survival and disease stage at diagnosis, the Taiwanese national early detection program for lung cancer was launched in July 2022 with the aim of increasing the proportion of tumors identified at an early stage using low-dose CT (LDCT).
Preface – WCLC 2023
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) was held in Singapore and virtually from 9th to 12th September. This prestigious event served as a global gathering point uniting over 6,000 renowned international scientists, researchers, and devoted patient advocates.
Stage IV lung cancer: miscellaneous treatment strategies
Considering the need for new, well tolerated and effective treatments to improve survival in metastatic NSCLC after platinum-based chemotherapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy represents an innovative option. TTFields are electric fields that exert physical forces on electrically charged cellular components in dividing cancer cells, thus disrupting cell function.
Targeted approaches in advanced disease
cquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), even including the third-generation agent osimertinib, limits duration of response and survival in treated patients with EGFR-mutant lung tumors. A potential strategy to improve outcomes is the concomitant use of EGFR-targeted agents and platinum doublet chemotherapy, although EGFR TKI treatment might attenuate the effect of cytotoxic agents.
Small-cell lung cancer: novel agents & biomarkers
As is known, patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) tend to respond well to systemic induction therapy but frequently experience rapid disease progression. Subsequent treatment success remains a challenge; therefore, improving outcomes in the first line appears critical. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1 has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in neuroendocrine tumors such as SCLC.
Early-stage NSCLC: current insights into perioperative strategies
The randomized phase III ADAURA study was conducted in response to the unmet need of improving 5-year overall survival (OS) rates in patients with completely resected EGFR-mutated, stage IB-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which are estimated to range between 45 % and 85 %. In ADAURA, 682 patients after complete resection of stage IB, II, or IIIA NSCLC with or without adjuvant chemotherapy received either osimertinib 80 mg OD or placebo for 3 years.