LUNG CANCER

The review period for a supplemental biologics license application seeking the approval of atezolizumab (Tecentriq) for use in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin), carboplatin, and paclitaxel or the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer has been extended by the FDA.

Leading lung cancer researcher and clinician, Vassiliki A. Papadimitrakopoulou, MD, is the recipient of the 2018 Addario Lectureship Award presented by The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation for her groundbreaking clinical research in immunotherapy.

A look back at all the FDA news that happened in the month of August 2018, including several new approvals, a priority review, breakthrough therapy designations, and more in a variety of cancer types.

Benjamin P. Levy, MD, discusses his clinical considerations for the management of non

In an interview with <em>Targeted Oncology</em>&nbsp;prior to the FDA approval of nivolumab in SCLC, Paul A. Bunn Jr, MD, discusses the potential agents for the treatment of SCLC, the challenges in treating this patient population, and the ongoing search for biomarkers to guide treatment decisions.

Sai-Hong Ignatius Ou, MD, PhD,&nbsp;discusses the ALK inhibitors that are currently available for the treatment of <em>ALK</em>-positive NSCLC, as well as ongoing research in this space. He also sheds light on optimal sequencing strategies with these available agents.<br /> &nbsp;

H. Jack West, MD, recently discussed the treatment options and considerations he makes when treating patients with stage III and IV non&ndash;small cell lung cancer. West, medical director of the Thoracic Oncology Program, Swedish Cancer Institute, explained the nuances that go into his treatment decisions when discussing 2 case scenarios during a&nbsp;<em>Targeted Oncology&nbsp;</em>live case-based peer perspective presentation.

Lung Cancer

In an interview with <em>Targeted Oncology</em><em>,</em> Levy discusses the agents currently being investigated for patients with <em>ROS1</em>- or <em>TRK</em>-rearranged lung cancer. He also highlights the challenges physicians will need to overcome to best treat their patients based on these new findings.

Pembrolizumab has been granted a full approval by the FDA in combination with standard chemotherapy for patients with&nbsp;metastatic nonsquamous non&ndash;small cell lung cancer. The approval is based on results from the phase III KEYNOTE-189 trial.

Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States. The disease has 2 major histological subtypes: Non&ndash;small cell lung cancer accounts for 85% of cases, with small cell lung cancer comprising the remaining 15%.¹

Mesothelin-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy has shown early evidence of efficacy in a phase I trial of patients with malignant pleural disease and mesothelioma,&nbsp;non&ndash;small cell lung cancer, or breast cancer. Additionally, significant responses were seen in patients who went on to receive subsequent PD-1 checkpoint inhibition treatment.