Lung-MAP Trial Demonstrates Potential of Public-Private Partnerships in Advancement of Cancer Therapy
“The unique public-private partnership that undergirded the Lung-MAP trial for almost a decade may serve as a model for future clinical research that is more rapid, innovative, and inclusive, according to a recent report published by Herbst et al in Clinical Cancer Research.”
Lung Cancer Research Foundation and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) Announce New Research Partnership
“Groups Introduce $2.5 Million, Four-Year Research Partnership Focused on Finding Cure for Oncogene-Driven Lung Cancers”
A Type of Allergy Medicine Might Help Treat Lung Cancer, Research Suggests
“New York, NY (December 06, 2023) Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have identified an allergy pathway that, when blocked, unleashes antitumor immunity in mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). And in an early parallel study in humans, combining immunotherapy with dupilumab—an Interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor-blocking antibody widely used for treating allergies and asthma—boosted patients’ immune systems, with one out of the six experiencing significant tumor reduction.”
Targeted Therapies Continue to Push the Field of EGFRm Lung Cancer Forward
“In an interview with Targeted Oncology, Edward B. Garon, MD, MS, discussed the ever-changing treatment landscape for EGFR-mutated lung cancer, as well as the unmet needs and potential next steps for research in this space.”
Merck’s lung cancer drug combo fails trial in setback for new therapy class
“Dec 7 (Reuters) – Merck (MRK.N) said on Thursday a combination treatment testing a new type of immunotherapy failed to significantly slow disease progression in lung cancer patients who did not respond to previous treatments, sending its shares down 1.5%. The results mark another setback in an emerging class of immunotherapies called anti-TIGIT that have triggered research and deal activity. Merck’s experimental anti-TIGIT drug vibostolimab in combination with its approved therapy Keytruda also failed to improve overall survival in a study of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer that spreads to other organs of the body.”
Daily exercise linked to prolonged life in inoperable lung cancer
“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of global cancer-related deaths, claiming more lives annually than any other cancer. The study, led by Curtin University, based its findings on a study of 89 individuals diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer and suggested that engaging in less than five minutes of moderate-to-vigorous daily physical activity could significantly lower mortality risk.”
Phenotyping EMT and MET cellular states in lung cancer patient liquid biopsies at a personalized level using mass cytometry
“We present this work as a feasibility study that justifies deeper characterization of EMT and MET states in malignant cells found in PEs as a promising clinical platform to better evaluate disease progression and treatment response at a personalized level.”
FDA Approves Bevacizumab Biosimilar Bevacizumab-tnjn for Lung, Colorectal Cancers
“The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Bio-Thera Solutions’ bevacizumab (Avastin) biosimilar, bevacizumab-tnjn (Avzivi) for the treatment of lung and colorectal cancers.1 This decision marks Bio-Thera Solutions’ second FDA-approved product in the United States (US). Announced on December 7, 2023, the decision was based on both clinical and non-clinical data supporting the biosimilarity of the drug, previously named BAT1706. Bevacizumab-tnjn, a humanized monoclonal antibody, targets and binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to reduce neovascularization, thus inhibiting tumor growth.”
New Hybrid Treatment Forces Cancer Cells to Starve
“NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The combination of a drug and a protein fragment prevents the growth of blood cancer cells, a new study in mice shows. The work addressed multiple myeloma, a cancer that forms in blood cells that normally fight infections by making proteins that remove germs. The cancerous cells build up in bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells and making faulty proteins. There might be no symptoms at first, but many patients later experience bone pain, nausea, brain fog, fatigue, or infections.”
California Aims for Equity by Redefining Cancer Care
“California’s initiative to tackle disparities in cancer care has taken a decisive step forward with the implementation of the California Cancer Care Equity Act (CCCEA). Enacted on March 1, 2023, this legislation aims to provide 13.9 million Medi-Cal beneficiaries with enhanced access to optimal cancer care services.”
American Cancer Society boosts Big Pharma backed ‘Get Screened’ lung cancer campaign
“The American Cancer Society (ACS) is teaming up with Merck, Roche and Regeneron to bolster a lung cancer screening campaign. The “Get Screened” initiative, which began in 2020 with a focus on those most affected by the pandemic, is now honing in on enhancing “access to lung cancer screening for all patients, with a focus on communities with historical inequities,” according to an ACS press release.”
MSD, Moderna take mRNA jab into phase 3 for lung cancer
“MSD and partner Moderna have started a late-stage trial of their personalised cancer vaccine V940 as a combination with MSD’s PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MSD – known as Merck & Co in North America – said this morning that the phase 3 INTerpath-002 study will look at the combination as adjuvant therapy for patients with stage II, IIIA or IIB NSCLC that has been removed with surgery, to see if it is more effective than Keytruda plus placebo at preventing the cancer from returning.”
Overcoming Drug Resistance With EAI-432, a Drug Candidate for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
“Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a promising new drug candidate, EAI-432, to treat non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) driven by mutations in the EGFR gene, particularly the L858R mutation, which is present in about one-third of NSCLC patients. EAI-432, an allosteric inhibitor with high selectivity for the L858R mutation and subsequent clinical resistance mutations, provides a potential new approach for NSCLC patients for whom there are currently no approved targeted therapies. Combination with the current frontline therapy may also lead to enhanced outcomes, delaying the emergence of resistance in that patient population.”
