AACR & ASCO 2021 - Midyear Review

2021 Midyear Review: Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Every year, researchers and clinicians report on exciting advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In 2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, developments in the management of lung cancer continue to be important and intriguing.

Combination of Nivolumab and Chemotherapy in Nonmetastatic Resectable NSCLC (CheckMate-816)

Combining nivolumab with a limited course of chemotherapy in resectable non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) enhances rates of pathologic complete response compared with chemotherapy alone.

Acquired Resistance Mutations After Treatment of EGFR-Mutated Metastatic NSCLC with Osimertinib plus Savolitinib (TATTON)

Resistance to the combination of osimertinib plus savolitinib is predominantly mediated by acquired mutations in either MET, EGFR, or KRAS in patients with EGFR-mutated metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Phase 3 Study of Tislelizumab Compared with Docetaxel in Advanced NSCLC (RATIONALE 303)

Based on results of the RATIONALE 303 trial, tislelizumab significantly prolonged median overall survival by more than 5 months in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with docetaxel.

Randomized Phase 3 Study of Sintilimab versus Docetaxel in Advanced Squamous NSCLC (ORIENT-3)

Compared with docetaxel, sintilimab significantly prolonged median overall survival by more than 3 months in patients with advanced squamous non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Safety Results of Phase 2 Study of Bintrafusp plus Chemotherapy in Advanced NSCLC (INTR@PID LUNG 024)

In patients with advanced squamous non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the combination of bintrafusp alfa and chemotherapy was well tolerated. The most common treatment-related adverse events were anemia, nausea, and pruritus.

Phase 2 Study of Osimertinib + Oleclumab in Progressive T790M-Negative EGFR-Mutated NSCLC

The combination of a novel CD73 inhibitor, oleclumab, and osimertinib was well tolerated and effective in patients with advanced EGFR-mutated and T790M-negative non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Phase 2 Study of D-0316 in Patients with Advanced NSCLC and EGFR T790M Mutation

D-0316, a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has antitumor activity and acceptable toxicity in patients with EGFR T790M–positive non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progressed after EGFR-TKI treatment.

Phase 1 Trial of VS-6766, a Dual RAF-MEK Inhibitor, and Defactinib, an FAK Inhibitor

In patients with non–small-cell lung cancer and KRAS G12V mutations who were pretreated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the combination of VS-6766 and defactinib is active with an acceptable tolerability profile.

Phase 2 Study of DM-CHOC-PEN in Patients with NSCLC with Central Nervous System Involvement

In patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that involves the central nervous system and who lack genetic rearrangements or tumor targets, DM-CHOC-PEN, a bis-alkylator of DNA, has produced long-term objective responses with manageable toxicities.