Tumor mutational burden (TMB) may be linked to better outcomes from immunotherapy in patients with advanced cancers, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. High TMB was associated with improved overall survival and progression-free survival in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. A high TMB occurs when a tumor has a large number of mutations in its DNA, which can create new antigens that attract T cells to attack the tumor. Researchers noted that TMB could be used as a biomarker to identify patients most likely to respond to immunotherapy.
In another study, a perioperative regimen of toripalimab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, extended event-free survival (EFS) in patients with resectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study, which included patients in China, showed that adjuvant treatment with toripalimab increased EFS by 8.2% compared to placebo after a year of treatment. The trial also had a positive impact on overall survival, though researchers noted that more data are necessary to demonstrate statistical significance.
The Pragmatic Lung Study, a phase 3 clinical trial designed to increase diversity in lung cancer research, recently began enrolling patients. The trial aims to enroll a broad range of patients typically underrepresented in clinical research, such as those of Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American racial and/or ethnic backgrounds, as well as those with comorbidities. The study includes a streamlined enrollment process that reduces the burden on patients, and researchers aim to have the results of the study available in a few years.
A study presented at the meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research showed that quitting smoking before a diagnosis of lung cancer could significantly reduce the excess risk of mortality. Even quitting smoking just a few years before a diagnosis may help prevent the exacerbation of lung cancer by reducing damage caused by cigarette smoke.
Another study presented at the meeting showed the effectiveness of pembrolizumab in treating diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM). Pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy that targets and disables the PD-1 protein, which makes tumors harder to detect and attack. The study showed that patients with DMPM who received pembrolizumab experienced an overall response rate of 35.7%.
In conclusion, these studies present key advancements and findings in the field of lung cancer research. The identification of TMB as a potential biomarker for immunotherapy response, the effectiveness of toripalimab in extending EFS, and the implementation of studies that aim to broaden the diversity of participants in clinical trials are all important for advancing the treatment and care of lung cancer patients. Researchers continue to explore new treatments and diagnostic tools in the ongoing fight against lung cancer.
