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Top Lung Cancer Stories In 2024

CURE compiled the top stories in the lung cancer space, including treatment updates and the potential of cancer vaccines.

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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).

Glossary:

Overall survival: the time from diagnosis or the start of treatment when a patient with cancer is still alive.

Progression-free survival: the time during and after treatment when a patient with cancer lives with the disease without worsening.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy: a precise form of radiation therapy that delivers very high doses of radiation to small, well-defined tumors.

Interstitial lung disease: a large group of diseases that cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs.

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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Radon Could Be An Invisible Lung Cancer Risk Inside Your Pennsylvania Home

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If you've resolved to start 2025 on a healthy note, lung health advocates say watch out for an invisible risk that could be lurking in your basement: radon. 

Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. It comes from decaying uranium, which occurs naturally in soil and rocks, and can enter homes through foundation cracks. 

"Radon is very insidious," said Kevin Stewart, director of environmental health at the American Lung Association. "It is colorless, odorless, tasteless — doesn't cause any immediate symptoms … The only way to know what a radon level is in a house is to do a test." 

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Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. For nonsmokers, it's the leading cause of lung cancer. 

"It puts off radioactive material and it damages the DNA, causing lung cancer, if it causes the right mutation in the DNA," said Arthur Frank, a professor emeritus of environmental and occupational health at Drexel University.

In Pennsylvania, roughly 40% of homes are estimated to have levels of radon above the EPA's health guideline, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. This puts Pennsylvania above the national average, according to an analysis by the American Lung Association. 

"Pennsylvania just has slightly unique geology," said Bob Lewis, radon program manager with the state DEP.  "We just have some slightly higher uranium and fluorine concentrations in the rocks across the Commonwealth, and we have the right amount of rainfall and the right amount of glaciation."

Elevated radon in homes is less common in Delaware and New Jersey, according to the American Lung Association. 

But experts recommend testing for radon no matter where you live. 

"You can't go by how high the number is in your neighbor's house," Stewart said. "The only way to know what's in your house is to do a test."

What to do if your home has high levels of radon

Do-it-yourself home radon tests are widely available at home improvement retailers and hardware stores, Lewis said. Pa. DEP officials also plan to give out free radon tests Saturday at the 2025 Pa. Farm Show.

You can also find certified testers and laboratories in a vetted directory on DEP's website. 

Testing is most effective during the winter heating season, Lewis said, because warm air moving through the home can pull more outside air in through the foundation.

If you find your home does have high radon levels, look for a certified professional to install a radon mitigation system that effectively vacuums air from beneath the basement or lowest floor and vents it away from the home.

If hiring a contractor is cost-prohibitive, Lewis says it is possible to do it yourself. The EPA recommends contacting your state radon office for guidance.

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"Give us a call, and we can walk them through the process," Lewis said.

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Lung Cancer Can Affect Non-smokers Too: Hidden Signs You Need To Know

Many non-smokers are under the impression that lung cancer only affects people who smoke, and this belief makes them feel more secure.

Many studies have proven that many people who have never smoked still get lung cancer.

Non-smokers can get lung cancer due to various reasons other than smoking, such as being exposed to secondhand smoke, radon gas, pollution, genetics or harmful chemicals at work.

Unfortunately, lung cancer is difficult to detect because its symptoms usually don't show up until the disease has advanced.

There are some early warning signs, such as persistent cough, that can help detect it sooner.

If a person experiences difficulty in breathing or has shortness of breath, it could be a sign of lung cancer.

Apart from this, chest pain and discomfort could be a sign of lung cancer which may worsen with deep breaths, coughing or laughing.

Although chest pain can have many causes, it is better not to ignore it.

In addition to this, sudden weight loss and constant tiredness can be signs of lung cancer.

Coughing up blood or phlegm with a rust-like colour is another symptoms to be cautious of.

Other possible symptoms of lung cancer include hoarseness, repeated respiratory infections or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or chest.

If you or anyone you know has any of these symptoms, it's important not to delay seeking medical advice as early detection and progress in treatment can greatly increase the chances of recovery.

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