In non-small cell lung cancer, researchers are testing personalized mRNA vaccines such as V940/mRNA-4157 after surgery in combination with pembrolizumab. These studies focus on people with resected disease, where the aim is to train the immune system against tumor-specific neoantigens and reduce recurrence risk. This is an active Phase 3 research direction, not routine treatment.
A notable finding from recent research is that zongertinib, a selective HER2A protein that promotes cell growth — overexpressed in some breast and stomach cancers.Click for full explanation → tyrosine kinase inhibitor, achieved an objective response rateThe proportion of patients whose cancer shrinks or disappears after treatment.Click for full explanation → of 76% and a median progression-free survival of 14.4 months in patients newly diagnosed with HER2A protein that promotes cell growth — overexpressed in some breast and stomach cancers.Click for full explanation →-mutant NSCLC, substantially outperforming the roughly 30% response rateThe proportion of patients whose cancer shrinks or disappears after treatment.Click for full explanation → and less than 7 months duration seen with chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation →. Phase 3 trials are comparing immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → combinations: a study (NCT04267848) is testing immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → added to standard chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → in NSCLC, and another (NCT06312137) is evaluating sacituzumab tirumotecan combined with pembrolizumab in resectable NSCLC not achieving pathological complete response. A Phase 2 study (NCT07329322) is examining sacituzumab tirumotecan with osimertinib as neoadjuvant treatment for resectable EGFR-mutated NSCLC. KRASOne of the most common cancer-driving mutations, found in lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers.Click for full explanation → G12C-directed therapy is being evaluated in unresectable Stage III NSCLC (NCT05398094). T cell receptor-based therapies engineered to target KRASOne of the most common cancer-driving mutations, found in lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers.Click for full explanation → G12D mutationsA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation → are in Phase 1 testing (NCT06218914). For SCLC, a DLL3-targeted chimeric antigen receptorA type of immunotherapy that genetically engineers a patient's own T cells to recognise and destroy cancer cells.Click for full explanation → T cell (CAR-TA type of immunotherapy that reprograms a patient's own T cells to attack cancer.Click for full explanation →) therapy is in early Phase 1 evaluation (NCT07249879). Research on circulating tumor cells as predictors of response to neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy is ongoing, as is work on exosomal RNA fragments as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkersA measurable biological signal used to detect disease or predict treatment response.Click for full explanation →. Overcoming primary immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → resistance in tumors with STK11 mutationsA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation → is another active area of investigation.
Where the evidence stands
Targeted therapiesDrugs that block specific molecules that cancer cells need to grow.Click for full explanation → for NSCLC with actionable mutationsA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation → in EGFR, ALK, BRAF, KRASOne of the most common cancer-driving mutations, found in lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers.Click for full explanation → G12C, RET, and HER2A protein that promotes cell growth — overexpressed in some breast and stomach cancers.Click for full explanation → have the strongest evidence base and are standard of care when applicable. ImmunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → alone or with chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → has robust Phase 3 support for NSCLC without actionable mutationsA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation → and for SCLC. The pipeline for overcoming acquired resistance after EGFR inhibitor therapy is active at Phase 1 and Phase 2. Newer antibody-drug conjugates are moving through Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials. CAR-TA type of immunotherapy that reprograms a patient's own T cells to attack cancer.Click for full explanation → and T cell receptor-based cellular therapies are in very early Phase 1 exploration. Combination immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → and neoadjuvant strategies are being refined across multiple settings. BiomarkerA measurable biological signal used to detect disease or predict treatment response.Click for full explanation →-based detection tools are still in the research and validation phase.
What this means for people affected
Lung cancer, once treated primarily with chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation →, now has a broad landscape of targeted therapiesDrugs that block specific molecules that cancer cells need to grow.Click for full explanation → for patients whose tumors carry specific mutationsA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation →. Molecular testing at diagnosis has become an essential step that can unlock highly effective treatment options. For those without actionable mutationsA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation →, immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → has meaningfully extended survival in many cases. Small cell lung cancer remains challenging, though immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → combinations have shown benefit. The research pace is fast, with multiple active trials testing how to extend disease control after resistance develops and how to bring cellular therapies from early investigation into clinical use.
Last updated May 22, 2026
Recent research findings
Understanding evidence levels▼
PreclínicoLab or cell studies — no human data yet.
Estudio en animalesResults in animals only — may not apply to humans.
Ensayo Fase 1First-in-human safety testing in small groups.
Ensayo Fase 2Early effectiveness testing in a larger group.
Ensayo Fase 3Large controlled trial — the strongest trial evidence.
Estudio observacionalPatterns observed in populations — not a controlled trial.
RevisiónSummary analysis of multiple existing studies.
MetaanálisisStatistical pooling of results from multiple studies.
Estudio de laboratorioExperimentos de laboratorio en células o tejidos. Sin datos humanos ni animales.Published: May 23, 2026
FAM72A Gene Linked to Lung Cancer Progression
Researchers studied the role of the FAM72A gene in lung cancer and found that it may contribute to the growth and spread of lung cancer cells. They discovered this by looking at lung cancer cells in the lab and seeing how they behaved when the FAM72A gene was turned off. The study suggests that the FAM72A gene may be involved in a signaling pathway that helps lung cancer cells grow and move.
Why it matters: This finding could help scientists understand how lung cancer progresses and potentially identify new targets for treatment.
This study was conducted in lab experiments using lung cancer cell lines, and further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.
Estudio de laboratorioExperimentos de laboratorio en células o tejidos. Sin datos humanos ni animales.Published: May 23, 2026
MET Exon 14 Skipping MutationA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation → in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Researchers studied 585 patients with a specific genetic mutationA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation → in their lung cancer. They found that this mutationA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation → was more common in patients with a certain type of lung cancer and was often associated with other genetic changes. The study also identified potential reasons why some patients' cancer may not respond to certain treatments.
Why it matters: This finding highlights the need for further research into targeted therapiesDrugs that block specific molecules that cancer cells need to grow.Click for full explanation → for patients with this genetic mutationA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation →.
Estudio de laboratorioExperimentos de laboratorio en células o tejidos. Sin datos humanos ni animales.Published: May 22, 2026
FTO protein may slow lung cancer growth
Researchers studied how a protein called FTO affects lung cancer cells in lab experiments. They found that FTO may slow the growth of lung cancer by reducing the activity of certain genes. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This study sheds light on the role of FTO in lung cancer and may lead to new areas of research.
This study was conducted in lab experiments and has not been tested in humans.
Estudio en animalesResultados solo en animales. Puede o no aplicarse a humanos.Published: May 22, 2026
Macrophages in Cancer Tumors May Weaken Immune Response
Researchers studied how macrophages in cancer tumors affect the immune response. They found that these cells produce a protein called fibronectin, which may make tumors stiffer and less responsive to the immune system. This could limit the effectiveness of immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation →.
Why it matters: This finding could help scientists understand why some cancer treatments don't work as well as expected and identify new targets for improving immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation →.
This study was conducted in mouse models and may not directly apply to humans.
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 22, 2026
Patient with lung cancer dies from pneumonia due to unusual hormonal imbalance
Researchers reported a case of a patient with small cell lung cancer who developed a severe infection after chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation →. Despite treatment, the patient died from pneumonia. The researchers think that an unusual hormonal imbalance may have weakened the patient's immune system, making them more susceptible to infection.
Why it matters: This finding may help doctors understand how some patients with lung cancer are more vulnerable to infections and how to better manage their care.
A single case report, which may not be representative of all patients with small cell lung cancer.
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 22, 2026
Rare Lung Cancer in Pregnancy with Placental Metastases
Researchers reported a rare case of lung cancer in a pregnant woman with a specific genetic mutationA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation →. The cancer had spread to the liver and placenta. The patient was treated with a targeted therapyDrugs that block specific molecules that cancer cells need to grow.Click for full explanation → and showed a response.
Why it matters: This finding highlights the importance of molecular profiling and multidisciplinary care in managing rare cancers during pregnancy.
Efficacy
She remains progression-free 10 months into therapy.
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 22, 2026
Lymph Node Involvement Affects Lung Cancer Prognosis
Researchers studied 66 patients with early-stage lung cancer who had cancer in nearby lymph nodes. They found that certain factors, such as the type of lung cancer and whether the cancer had spread to other lymph nodes, affected how long patients lived after surgery. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This study helps us understand how lymph node involvement affects lung cancer prognosis, which could inform future research and treatment decisions.
Efficacy
The mean overall survival was 59.7 months, and the disease-free survival was 52.0 months.
Small sample size (n=66) and retrospective analysis.
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 22, 2026
Rare Bone Condition Linked to Lung Tumour
Researchers described a rare condition called hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy, which causes bone growth and joint pain. A man in his 60s was diagnosed with this condition after visiting a foot clinic. Further investigation revealed a lung tumour.
Why it matters: This finding highlights the importance of considering systemic causes for bone and joint symptoms.
Estudio de laboratorioExperimentos de laboratorio en células o tejidos. Sin datos humanos ni animales.Published: May 22, 2026
GFI1 Protein Boosts Immune Response in Cancer Cells
Researchers studied how a protein called GFI1 affects cancer cells' ability to fight off the immune system. They found that GFI1 is linked to higher levels of a protein that helps the immune system recognize cancer cells. This could make cancer cells more responsive to certain treatments.
Why it matters: This finding could lead to new ways to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → treatments for cancer.
Efficacy
Tumors with higher GFI1 levels showed a significantly better response to immunotherapy.
Tumor samples were from non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing immunochemotherapy.
Estudio de laboratorioExperimentos de laboratorio en células o tejidos. Sin datos humanos ni animales.Published: May 22, 2026
Researchers Identify New BiomarkersA measurable biological signal used to detect disease or predict treatment response.Click for full explanation → for Lung Cancer
Scientists studied lung cancer cells to find new markers that could help diagnose and treat the disease. They identified four genes that play a key role in the immune system and are often downregulated in lung cancer. These genes may help doctors predict patient outcomes and develop new treatments.
Why it matters: This finding could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options for lung cancer patients.
The study was conducted in lab experiments using lung cancer cell lines.
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 22, 2026
New Imaging Tool Helps Diagnose Pleural Diseases
Researchers used a special microscope to examine patients with pleural effusion, a condition where fluid builds up in the space between the lungs and chest wall. They found that the microscope images could help distinguish between benign and malignant pleural diseases, but more study is needed. The study included 18 patients and found that certain characteristics of the images could be useful for diagnosis.
Why it matters: This finding could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options for patients with pleural diseases.
The study had a small sample size and included only patients with pleural effusion of unknown etiology.
RevisiónResumen y análisis de estudios publicados existentes.Published: May 22, 2026
Understanding Resistance to Cancer ImmunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation →
Researchers reviewed how cancer cells develop resistance to immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → in non-small cell lung cancer. They found that resistance is linked to changes in the tumor environment and the immune system. More research is needed to understand and overcome this resistance.
Why it matters: This study highlights the challenges of cancer immunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → and the need for new strategies to improve treatment outcomes.
The study is a review of existing research and does not present new data.
A Study to Compare the Efficacy of Nivolumab and Relatlimab Plus ChemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → vs Pembrolizumab Plus ChemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → for Stage IV/Recurrent Non-squamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer With PD-L1 Expression ≥ 1%
Testing the Addition of a Type of Drug Called ImmunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → to the Usual ChemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → Treatment for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, an ALCHEMIST Treatment Trial (Chemo-IO [ACCIO])
ImmunotherapyTreatments that use the body's immune system to fight cancer.Click for full explanation → After Surgery for People Who Have No Remaining Cancer Cells After Standard Treatment for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, INSIGHT Trial
A Retrospective Observational Study of Nivolumab in Combination With ChemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation → as Neoadjuvant Therapy for Resectable NSCLC Patients: Real-World Experience in Taiwan (NEOREAL)
