New treatments for advanced lung cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancer is a complex disease that accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases with many patients diagnosed at later stages. Research has identified various genetic mutations, known as oncogenic alterations, that drive the disease. Recently treatments targeting these specific genetic changes have significantly improved patient outcomes.

While therapies for well-known mutations are well-established, a recently published review titled, The continually evolving landscape of novel therapies in oncogene-driven advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, highlights advancements in less-studied mutations. Dr. Parneet Cheema, Head of Cancer Research at the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation, is a contributing author to this study.

The review explores new diagnostic tools and precision therapies that help match treatments to a tumor’s specific genetic profile and oncogenic alterations, offering a more personalized approach to care.

Recent progress includes the development of targeted therapies for even rare mutations and the continuing refinement of diagnostic techniques such as immunohistochemistry and next-generation sequencing, both of which are used at Osler. These tools enable more precise identification of mutations that can be targeted, making it easier to select the right treatment. As a result, numerous drugs have been approved in recent years that give new hope for people with lung cancers.

The paper emphasizes the importance of improving detection methods and expanding the range of treatments for both common and rare genetic alterations. This will ensure that more patients can benefit from personalized therapies that are tailored to their specific tumor profiles.

Advances in research targeting genetic mutations in lung cancer continue to move at a rapid pace. Common mutations (currently the MET, HER2, KRAS, ROS1, RET and BRAF mutations) are eligible for clinical treatment and make personalized medicine an option. Even rarer mutations have shown remarkable success across cancer types, meaning that there are possible applications that could extend beyond lung cancers and could be used for other tumours as well.

Over the past three years, several new drugs have emerged that are helping to meet the need for new treatments. The rapid advancement of these targeted therapies has been driven by improved diagnostic tools that help to identify the patients most likely to benefit.

In the past, treatments relied on giving multiple drugs and seeing what worked. However, precision medicine means fewer side effects and is more effective in targeting specific tumours.