MISSION

The Group has a strong track record in initiating and conducting clinical trials across thoracic cancers. The focus is not only lung cancer but also mesothelioma and thymomas. This follows EORTC strategy to challenge, re-define and develop standards of care for loco-regional as well as for systemic treatments.

PRACTICE CHANGING RESEARCH

Understanding lung cancer: the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide [a].

There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, making up 85% of cases) and small cell lung cancer (15%). Amongst others, causes include passive and active smoking and exposure to certain toxins. There are three subtypes of NSCLC: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.  Small cell lung cancer tends to grow and spread faster than NSCLC.

In past decades, there has been considerable progress in lung cancer care thanks to molecular profiling* making it possible to personalise treatment for each patient, to stimulate research, and to increase the portfolio of new treatment options.

Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy, depending on the type of cancer, the molecular profile and if the disease spreads or not.

*Molecular testing that uses various technologies to examine the patient’s DNA in order to identify changes that may cause cancer.

This randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial of pembrolizumab (an anti-body drug) recruited 1177 patients. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older and had undergone surgery to remove their early-stage tumours.

The statistical analysis showed that pembrolizumab improved disease-free survival significantly compared with placebo and was not associated with new safety concerns for these patients47.

Based on the above outcome:

  1. In January 2023, the FDA approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for early-stage NSCLC patients.
  2. In October 2023, the European Commission approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for the adjuvant treatment of adults with non-small cell lung carcinoma who are at high risk of recurrence following complete resection and platinum-based chemotherapy.

Study Coordinator: Mary O’Brien

47 O’Brien, M. et al. Pembrolizumab versus placebo as adjuvant therapy for completely resected stage IB–IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer (PEARLS/KEYNOTE-091): an interim analysis of a randomised, triple-blind, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol 23, 1274–1286 (2022).

STUDY INFORMATION
PUBLICATION

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