Advancements in Lung Cancer Treatment

Overview of Lung Cancer in Canada

A group of researchers in the United States has modified existing chemotherapy treatments by incorporating humanized antibodies to enhance survival rates for lung cancer patients. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Canada. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 28,600 Canadians were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, resulting in an average of 58 deaths daily. Lung cancer occurs when lung cells become abnormal and proliferate uncontrollably, with smoking being the most significant risk factor. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.

Types of Lung Cancer

The most prevalent form of lung cancer is non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which constitutes about 85% of all lung cancer cases. This type typically originates in glandular cells located on the outer part of the lung, predominantly affecting current or former smokers. Treatment options for NSCLC vary and are primarily dependent on the disease’s stage. Currently, platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard first-line treatment for NSCLC patients, although its effectiveness can differ significantly among individuals.

Recent Study on Pembrolizumab

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine evaluated the safety and efficacy of administering the humanized antibody pembrolizumab alongside chemotherapy for lung cancer treatment. The research involved 616 patients who were randomly assigned to receive either pembrolizumab or a matching placebo. Participants received treatments every three weeks for four cycles and continued until they experienced radiographic progression, unacceptable toxic side effects, an investigator’s decision, or withdrew consent. The study participants primarily hailed from Europe and North America and were mostly current or former smokers.

Findings and Implications

The study represents the first phase-3 trial investigating the combination of pembrolizumab and chemotherapy for treating non-small-cell lung cancer. The findings revealed that patients who received pembrolizumab exhibited better survival rates compared to those undergoing chemotherapy alone after 12 months. This promising study underscores the potential benefits of integrating pembrolizumab into conventional chemotherapy regimens for non-small-cell lung cancer. However, researchers acknowledge that further efforts are required to effectively implement these new treatments in clinical practice.

Reference

Gandhi L. et al. Pembrolizumab plus Chemotherapy in Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2018;378:2078-2092 DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa1801005.