UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A recent study found a lung cancer treatment cuts death risk by 27% and extends survival to 13.2 months in aggressive small-cell cases.
As reported by The Telegraph, a trial found that a new treatment can reduce death risk from aggressive lung cancer by 25%.
New research about fighting small cell lung cancer
A Lancet study found patients using atezolizumab and chemo had a 46% lower chance of the disease getting worse or death. This combined treatment marks a significant advance in lung cancer care.
Researchers from the Complutense University of Madrid reported that patients on both drugs were 46% less likely to experience disease progression. Mortality risk dropped by 27% over an average 15-month follow-up.
Median survival increased to 13.2 months from 10.6 months for patients on the combination therapy. Due to its aggressive nature, treatment for small cell lung cancer is limited, giving patients some of the poorest survival rates of nearly any cancer.
The new NHS “maintenance treatment” combining two drugs may give patients extra months. The therapy is being fast-tracked for approval in the US and Europe, but is still awaiting consideration in Britain.
In the UK, small cell lung cancer makes up 15% of lung cancer cases, with 7,500 new diagnoses yearly, mainly in smokers. The latest data shows six million adults smoke.
This lung cancer is usually found late, after spreading, making treatment hard. Nearly 80% of diagnosed patients die within two years.
The aim of treatment is to extend life and improve quality for patients. The clinical trial included 660 advanced lung cancer patients from 93 sites worldwide, including the UK.
After four rounds of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, patients were divided into two groups for ongoing treatment. Half received atezolizumab alone, while the other half got it combined with lurbinectedin.
What did Professor Califano say about the new lung cancer trial?
Professor Raffaele Califano, the trial’s chief investigator in Britain and a consultant medical oncologist at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, said,
“Most people with small-cell lung cancer will be diagnosed at a late stage when it’s already spread to other parts of the body and cannot be cured.”
He stated,
“As a result, these patients have the worst outcomes of almost any cancer – only one in five people will be alive two years after their diagnosis. Up until now, progress has been limited, but trials like the IMforte trial are bringing new hope to people who currently have limited options.”
Mr Califano added,
“The results are really positive and have the potential to change the way we treat extensive stage [advanced] small cell lung cancer. We are hopeful that this novel combination will be approved for use on the NHS.”
Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy drug therapy
The immunotherapy drug atezolizumab, known as Tecentriq, was approved for NHS use in 2020.
An application is under review and has priority status in the US, but the UK has not yet begun evaluation. The drug Atezolizumab is given by drip into a vein every two to four weeks during outpatient appointments lasting 30 to 60 minutes.
The drug targets a protein on lung cancer cells, prompting the body’s immune system to recognise and eliminate them.
The chemotherapy drug lurbinectedin attacks cancer cells by binding to their DNA, working alongside the immune system for a dual strike on the tumour.
Symptoms of lung cancer
It includes a persistent cough that lasts a long time and may get worse. Chest pain can occur, especially when breathing or coughing.
Patients may have trouble breathing or feel short of breath. Coughing up even a little blood is also a warning sign.