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Integrating Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer
Immunotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in lung cancer, for which there are drugs approved as second-line therapies, states Andrew L. Pecora, MD. First-line doublet chemotherapy is given for metastatic non—small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). If the patient has an ALK or EGFR mutation, treatment would include a targeted therapy.
Chemotherapy is never curative in metastatic NSCLC, says Pecora. An anti-PD-1 agent can be given once chemotherapy fails, although there is some debate regarding whether to give immuno-oncology agents up front in order to stimulate the immune system earlier in the disease process.
When nivolumab is added to ipilimumab, there is an increase in the rate of response, adds Pecora. The combination has the potential to improve survival. One issue with combining a PD-1 inhibitor with an anti-CTLA4 agent is toxicity. Once the immune system is stimulated, it can produce adverse effects that must be addressed quickly, says Pecora. Using these agents at a lower dose and/or altering the sequencing could, in theory, help reduce these effects.
Laundromats as a New Frontier in Community Health, Medicaid Outreach
May 29th 2025Lindsey Leininger, PhD, and Allister Chang, MPA, highlight the potential of laundromats as accessible, community-based settings to support Medicaid outreach, foster trust, and connect families with essential health and social services.
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Could On-Body Delivery of Isatuximab Bring More Competition to Anti-CD38 Myeloma Treatment?
June 6th 2025Results for IRAKLIA show noninferiority for Sanofi's on-body delivery system for isatuximab, compared with IV administration. Patients overwhelmingly preferred the hands-free delivery option.
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