Lung Cancer

UT MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs

A simple X-ray measure linked to survival in lung cancer surgery patients

Novel vision-language model to support diagnosis using computed tomography scans

Researchers developed a novel diagnostic support framework using visual question answering to generate interpretable findings from chest CT images. The system demonstrated strong agreement with reference descriptions and provided clinically meaningful outputs.

Despite breakthroughs, many go without treatment for metastatic lung cancer

ASCO 2026 Tip Sheet - Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Researchers at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center presented several studies at ASCO 2026 exploring new treatment options for patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and melanoma. These include velzatinib, a targeted therapy for GIST patients, and PRAME-directed T-cell receptor therapies for synovial sarcoma.

Researchers find biomarker of chemotherapy resistance in relapsed lung cancer

Researchers have discovered a biomarker for chemotherapy resistance in small cell lung cancer, which can help identify cells that become more invasive and lead to treatment resistance. Targeting these cells with YAP1 may be a possible strategy to improve patient outcomes.

UT MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs

Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advancements in targeted therapy treatments for advanced lung cancer and early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The studies showcase high response rates with novel combination therapies and a new understanding of how an enzyme affects infertility and cancer progression.

New ultrasound technique revolutionizes microvascular flow imaging

Researchers introduce Radon transform-based flow measurement (R-Flow), a contrast-free ultrasound method that visualizes blood flow dynamics at the microvascular scale. The technique captures complete 2D flow patterns and demonstrates high accuracy in detecting pathological changes in diseases like cirrhosis.

Targeted therapy drug shows early promise against KRAS-driven lung and pancreatic cancers

A first-in-human clinical trial found that setidegrasib, a targeted therapy drug, demonstrated early antitumor activity in advanced lung and pancreatic cancers. The therapy shrank tumors and delayed disease progression in some patients, providing a potential new treatment approach for KRAS G12D-driven cancers.

26 Years of development of EGFR-TKIs for non-small cell lung cancer: Clinical application and resistance research progress

EGFR-TKIs have significantly improved OS and quality of life for EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients. However, ongoing research is needed to refine therapies for precise individualized treatment, addressing resistance mechanisms and optimal combination strategies.

Age, sex, and cancer type influence risk of subsequent cancers among survivors

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that age at initial diagnosis, sex, and type of first cancer significantly affect the risk of developing a subsequent primary cancer. Older age and male sex were associated with a higher risk, while survivors of lung, bladder, and skin melanoma were also at increased risk.

Extra sets of chromosomes may help aggressive tumor cells spread, study finds

A new study from Tulane University found that extra sets of chromosomes in tumor cells make them more mobile and likely to engulf neighboring cells. This stress response triggers an abundance of proteins, reprogramming the cells for motility and phagocytosis.

Alliance study shows new promise against locally advanced lung cancer

A study by the Alliance Foundation Trials shows that combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery can help more patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer undergo complete cancer resection, improving their long-term health. The treatment also led to high rates of lymph node clearance and successful surgical re...

Distribution of Phase I lung cancer trials may be consolidating at top-performing U.S. sites

The study found a concerning trend towards trial consolidation at top-performing sites in the US, with more limited access to clinical trials for lower-volume locations. This may be due to factors such as increased complexity of phase I trials and regulatory burdens.

A deep learning pathomics platform may help predict response to immunotherapy in lung cancer patients

Researchers developed a pathomics framework using a deep learning survival prediction model that analyzes pathology slide images and study patterns to predict patient outcomes. The model correctly stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different outcomes.

Investigational KRAS(ON) inhibitor zoldonrasib showed effective and durable responses in patients with advanced G12D-mutated lung cancer

Researchers found a promising response rate of 52% and disease control rate of 93% in patients treated with zoldonrasib. The study also showed favorable safety and tolerability profiles, with no grade 4 treatment-related adverse events observed.

Next-generation KRAS G12C inhibitor elisrasib elicited promising response rates in patients with advanced lung cancer

A new study found that elisrasib, a next-generation KRAS-G12C inhibitor, demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile. In patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), elisrasib showed promising response rates of 58.8% and disease control rate of 98.5%. The treatment also improved outcomes...

Rare scalp reaction identified in lung cancer patient receiving amivantamab after radiotherapy

A rare scalp reaction resembling erosive pustular dermatosis was identified in a lung cancer patient treated with amivantamab following cranial radiotherapy. The reaction appeared to be related to impaired wound healing due to dual inhibition of EGFR and MET signaling pathways.

AACR: UT MD Anderson shares latest breakthroughs in cancer research

Researchers from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center present studies on single-cell technologies, integrative computational approaches, and experimental therapeutics, highlighting innovations in mRNA vaccines and spatial multi-omics techniques. The studies aim to improve immunotherapy responses and detect treatment-resistant glioma cells.

Cancer trends in Canada 2026

The study projects that cancer rates in Canada will be high in 2026, with declines seen in some cancers like colorectal and leukemia. However, death rates from pancreatic cancer are increasing.

A lung cancer that changes its identity may be hiding in plain sight

A new study maps how rare mixed tumors evolve into hybrid cell states and immune-protected neighborhoods, pointing to new ways to detect and treat combined small-cell lung cancer. The findings reveal that these tumors do not arise from two separate cancers but rather from a single ancestral cell that evolves over time.

Study finds no increased risk of respiratory cancers from asbestos-free talc exposure

Researchers found no association between occupational talc exposure and increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, or laryngeal cancer when talc is free from asbestos contamination. The study suggests continued monitoring of occupational groups to better understand any potential low-level risks.

Researchers explore potential link between COVID-19 and lung cancer risk

A potential association between COVID-19 and increased lung cancer risk has been identified through a study integrating human clinical data with mechanistic research. The study found that SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to long-term lung disease by promoting inflammation, fibrosis, and tumor-related pathways.

UT MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs

Researchers at UT MD Anderson have made significant advancements in cancer care, including a blood-based biomarker for cancer risk in people with Lynch Syndrome and a new target to sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy. The studies also identified a strategy to overcome radiation therapy resistance in lung cancer.

AACR: Targeted drug delivery for colorectal cancer, COVID-19’s impact on breast cancer outcomes, AI in cancer diagnosis and more

UCLA investigators present new research on targeted drug delivery for colorectal cancer, COVID-19's impact on breast cancer outcomes, and AI in cancer diagnosis. These studies offer insights into overcoming drug resistance, enhancing immune responses, and improving outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.

Lactylation modification drives lung cancer progression and drug resistance

Researchers reveal lactylation as a key player in lung cancer progression and drug resistance, highlighting potential targets for overcoming treatment resistance. The study identifies self-reinforcing loops that sustain acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs and provides a framework for developing precision therapies.

COCOON trial shows proactive skin care can halve dermatologic toxicity in EGFR-mutant NSCLC

The COCOON trial found that a structured dermatologic prophylaxis regimen reduced moderate-to-severe dermatologic adverse events by half, with fewer grade ≥3 events and treatment discontinuations. This approach could improve tolerability and maintain dose intensity for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Mount Sinai study finds lung cancer surgery safe for many patients over 80

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas found that carefully selected older adults can safely undergo surgery and achieve outcomes comparable to younger patients. The research challenges longstanding assumptions about age and cancer treatment, suggesting that older adults should not be excluded from potentially curat...

Targeted therapy improves long-term outcomes for patients with rare mutations driving lung cancer

A phase 1/2 clinical study found that pralsetinib improved durable responses with manageable safety profiles in patients with advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer. The overall response rate was 78% and median duration of response was longer in patients with the CCDC6-RET fusion gene.

Study of robotic bronchoscopy suggests it's safer, faster path to diagnosing lung cancer

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that robotic bronchoscopy has a high sensitivity for malignancy (85%) and accuracy rate (76.9%), with a complication rate of 2.8%. The technology allowed for earlier detection of lung cancer, reducing diagnoses at advanced stages from 54% to 31%, and improved survival rates.

Unexpected findings on lung cancer CT scans may point to other non-lung cancers, study finds

A study led by Brown University researchers analyzed lung screening data to identify abnormalities outside the lungs that warrant follow-up care. Cancer-related findings appeared in about 3% of screening rounds and were linked to a higher risk of extrapulmonary cancers, particularly urinary system cancers.

Breast cancer hijacks the lung repair system to fuel tumor growth, study finds

Researchers found that breast cancer cells trigger the lung's natural repair system, leading to chronic inflammation and promoting tumor growth. A repurposed drug, roflumilast, may slow this process by preventing the lung environment from aiding tumor growth.

Tobacco smoking and lung cancer risk after negative baseline low-dose computed tomography findings

A cohort study found that smokers with negative baseline low-dose computed tomography findings had a significantly increased long-term lung cancer risk, becoming apparent only after two years of screening. This suggests supporting extended initial screening intervals and personalized long-term monitoring based on smoking history.

NRG Oncology/Alliance trial finds immunotherapy did not improve survival when added to chemoradiotherapy for small cell lung cancer

The NRG-LU005 trial found that immunotherapy atezolizumab did not improve survival for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer when added to chemoradiation. Twice-daily radiation therapy, however, was associated with improved survival in this population.

Severe COVID-19, flu facilitate lung cancer months or years later, new research shows

Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections can prime the lungs for cancer development, according to new research. Vaccination, however, largely prevents these changes, suggesting a reduced risk of lung cancer.

IVF not linked to higher overall cancer rates, but study shows differences in some cancers

A large Australian study of over 417,000 women found that fertility treatments were not linked to higher overall cancer rates, but some cancers were slightly more common, while others were less common. Women who received fertility treatment were more likely to develop uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as melanoma, but the overall ris...

Discovery about aging and cancer opens the door to better targeted treatments

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified a protein, ATF4, linked to increased metastasis and recurrence in lung cancer. The study reveals that older individuals' tumors are smaller and grow more slowly, yet more likely to have spread when detected.

Moffitt study identifies distinct tumor-immune ecologies that predict immunotherapy response in lung cancer

Researchers identified distinct spatial tumor-immune ecologies that differentiate stable disease from progressive disease in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Tumors that progressed were characterized by immune suppression before treatment began, while stable disease tumors showed stronger colocalization of immune cells. Machine lea...

New study identifies growth hormone receptor as possible target to improve lung cancer treatment

Researchers at Ohio University discovered that blocking the growth hormone receptor may help make lung cancer treatments more effective. Patients with low GHR tumors survived significantly longer than those with high GHR tumors, highlighting a potential new target for therapy.

Engineered immune cells show promise against brain metastases in preclinical study

Researchers developed CAR macrophages that crossed the blood-brain barrier, recognizing and destroying cancer cells and releasing signals to harm nearby tumors. The treatment showed significant reductions in brain tumor progression and increased survival in preclinical models.

Mayo Clinic study identifies mechanism behind immunotherapy resistance in lung cancer

Researchers found that regulatory T cells can be redirected to protect tumors instead of the body. Blocking P2RX7, a molecule released by stressed cells, helps immune cells work more closely with B cells and leads to better outcomes.

Inhaled microplastics and lung health

New research suggests that inhaled microplastics can cause inflammation and damage to the lungs, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. Microplastics can also trigger inflammatory responses and deliver toxins directly into the lungs, highlighting a growing concern for lung health.

Enhanced pulmonary nodule detection and classification using artificial intelligence on LIDC-IDRI data

This study developed and evaluated an automatic method for lung nodule detection and classification using a CNN-based architecture on the LIDC-IDRI database. The proposed method achieved high sensitivity and accuracy, with competitive performance compared to recent studies.

Mount Sinai study strengthens landmark evidence supporting lung-sparing surgery, offering hope for mesothelioma patients

A new Mount Sinai study strengthens landmark evidence supporting lung-sparing surgery for pleural mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The research found zero in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates, and a 90-day mortality rate of 4.2 percent in carefully selected patients.

Call for action on understudied lung cancer in never-smokers

A new review highlights the growing burden of lung cancer in never-smokers, emphasizing the need for dedicated research, screening, and clinical trials. The study argues that LCINS has distinct causes and biology requiring a different approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Rural cancer patients do just as well when having surgery close to home

A new analysis found that rural cancer patients treated locally have similar surgical outcomes to those who traveled to urban facilities. The study used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data from Medicare-eligible patients with lung or colon cancer, aged 65 or older, residing in rural areas.

Experts highlight the need to better understand lung cancer in never-smokers

Lung cancer in never-smokers (LCINS) is a growing global health challenge with distinct biological and clinical characteristics. The authors emphasize the importance of identifying risk factors, developing better screening tests, and discovering more effective treatment approaches for LCINS.

City of Hope research spotlight, January 2026

Researchers at City of Hope have made significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, immune system regulation and early disease detection. A study found that subtle RNA changes can shape cancer behavior, opening new avenues for precision oncology. In contrast, combining immunotherapy with chemoradiation did not improve survival rates f...

Photon-counting CT outperforms conventional CT in lung cancer management

A study published in Radiology found that photon-counting CT reduced radiation exposure by 66.34% and improved image quality compared to conventional CT in lung cancer patients. The technology also showed fewer adverse reactions, including contrast-induced acute kidney injury.

Lymph node examination should be expanded to accurately assess cancer spread in patients with lung cancer

Breakthrough research recommends that more than one N1 node be removed and evaluated during surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study found that many cancers were identified in N1 nodes adjacent to the bronchi, highlighting the need for expanded lymph node evaluation.

Dr. Vinay Badhwar elected President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Vinay Badhwar, MD, was elected President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons with a three-part framework emphasizing daily practice excellence, data-driven science, and measurable impact. He aims to advance collaboration across surgical disciplines and integrate the specialty into the broader healthcare ecosystem.

New AI tool helps doctors treat cancer patients after heart attack

Researchers developed an AI tool called ONCO-ACS to predict the risk of secondary heart attacks in cancer patients after a heart attack. The tool combines cancer-related factors with standard clinical data to provide reliable information for doctors to balance treatment benefits and harms.

University of Cincinnati Cancer Center targets key enzyme complex to treat KRAS-mutated lung cancer

The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center is testing approaches to neutralize an enzyme complex that enables cell division in KRAS-mutated lung cancers. The grant aims to identify the best strategy to suppress this enzyme and prevent long-term tumor growth.

A study analyses which lung cancer subtypes are associated with different air pollutants

A study analyzing air pollutants' impact on lung cancer reveals that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increases the risk of all subtypes, while NO2, O3, and SO2 are linked to non-small-cell lung cancer. No associations were found between gaseous pollutants and small-cell carcinoma.

Hope for smarter lung cancer care

A study from Flinders University found that patients with progressive disease, which describes the way cancer grows, have varying survival rates depending on whether their existing tumours re-grow or new ones appear. Understanding this progression can help doctors make better decisions about future treatment strategies.

Small number of ‘highly plastic’ cancer cells drive disease progression and treatment resistance

A small subset of highly plastic cancer cells drives cancer progression and treatment resistance, study finds. Targeting these cells may make current treatments more effective and prevent aggressive tumors from forming.

Lung cancer death rates among women in Europe are finally levelling off

Predictions for lung cancer death rates among EU and UK women indicate stabilization of mortality rates at 12.5 deaths per 100,000 in 2026. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death for both sexes in the EU, with mortality rates continuing to decline among men.

Sylvester Cancer Tip Sheet for January 2026

New studies from Sylvester reveal that 40% of cancers are preventable and that lifestyle interventions can play a crucial role in cancer treatment. Researchers also discovered PFAS on firefighter gear, which may limit exposure to hazardous chemicals linked to cancer.

Gut bacteria molecule boosts lung cancer treatment response

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a small compound produced by gut bacteria that doubles the response to lung cancer immunotherapy treatment in mice. The findings could lead to a new combination therapy that boosts patient responsiveness by 50% without adding invasive treatments.

Blood test predicts which patients with lung cancer will benefit from newly approved immunotherapy drug

A new blood test has been developed to predict which patients with lung cancer will benefit from the newly approved immunotherapy drug tarlatamab. The test, based on circulating tumor cells, correctly identified 85% of patients who responded to the drug and 100% of those who did not.