Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatments for Early Stage Resectable NSCLC: Consensus Recommendations From the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

Advances in molecular pathology and therapy of non-small cell lung cancer

Over the past two decades, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has witnessed encouraging advancements in basic and clinical research. However, substantial unmet needs remain for patients worldwide, as drug resistance persists as an inevitable reality. Meanwhile, the journey towards amplifying the breadth and depth of the therapeutic effect requires comprehending and integrating diverse and profound progress. In this review, therefore, we aim to comprehensively present such progress that spans the various aspects of molecular pathology, encompassing elucidations of metastatic mechanisms, identification of therapeutic targets, and dissection of spatial omics. Additionally, we also highlight the numerous small molecule and antibody drugs, encompassing their application alone or in combination, across later-line, frontline, neoadjuvant or adjuvant settings. Then, we elaborate on drug resistance mechanisms, mainly involving targeted therapies and immunotherapies, revealed by our proposed theoretical models to clarify interactions between cancer cells and a variety of non-malignant cells, as well as almost all the biological regulatory pathways. Finally, we outline mechanistic perspectives to pursue innovative treatments of NSCLC, through leveraging artificial intelligence to incorporate the latest insights into the design of finely-tuned, biomarker-driven combination strategies. This review not only provides an overview of the various strategies of how to reshape available armamentarium, but also illustrates an example of clinical translation of how to develop novel targeted drugs, to revolutionize therapeutic landscape for NSCLC.

Clinical outcomes of conversion surgery following neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in potentially resectable stage IIIA/IIIB non-small cell lung

Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy has been successfully used in patients with resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its application to potentially resectable IIIA/IIIB NSCLC remains controversial. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by conversion surgery in patients with potentially resectable stage III NSCLC, focusing on conversion rate and survival benefits. Patients with 'potentially resectable' stage IIIA/IIIB NSCLC who were deemed unsuitable for complete (R0) resection at initial diagnosis were retrospectively identified. After 2-4 cycles of treatment, all patients were reevaluated for surgical resectability. Data on patient characteristics, radiological and pathological responses, and survival outcomes were collected. In total, 148 patients were included in the final analysis. Upon the completion of neoadjuvant therapy, 105 patients were considered suitable for conversion surgery. Three patients refused surgery, and 102 patients ultimately underwent surgery, yielding a conversion rate of 70.9% and a resection rate of 68.9%. The rate of complete (R0) resection was 100%, with a major pathological response (MPR) of 64.7% and a pathologic complete response (pCR) of 41.2%. Postoperative complications were observed in nine patients (8.8%), and there was no surgery-related mortality within 30 days. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 19.1 months in the non-surgery group, and the overall survival (OS) was not reached. In the 102 patients who underwent conversion surgery, both the median PFS and OS were not reached, accompanied by 2-year OS and PFS rates of 87.3% and 78.4%, respectively. Our findings showed that neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy expanded the opportunities for conversion surgery in potentially resectable cases. Subsequent conversion surgery is safe and has the potential for significant survival benefits.

Tumour and microenvironment crosstalk in NSCLC progression and response to therapy

The treatment landscape of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in the development of targeted agents and immunotherapies. Despite this progress, some patients have suboptimal responses to treatment, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies. In the past decade, the important role of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in NSCLC progression, metastatic dissemination and response to treatment has become increasingly evident. Understanding the complexity of the TME and its interactions with NSCLC can propel efforts to improve current treatment modalities, overcome resistance and develop new treatments, which will ultimately improve the outcomes of patients. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive view of the NSCLC TME, examining its components and highlighting distinct archetypes characterized by spatial niches within and surrounding tumour nests, which form complex neighbourhoods. Next, we explore the interactions within these components, focusing on how inflammation and immunosuppression shape the dynamics of the NSCLC TME. We also address the emerging influences of patient-related factors, such as ageing, sex and health disparities, on the NSCLC-TME crosstalk. Finally, we discuss how various therapeutic strategies interact with and are influenced by the TME in NSCLC. Overall, we emphasize the interconnectedness of these elements and how they influence therapeutic outcomes and tumour progression.

Survival outcome comparison of neoadjuvant and perioperative ICI-based therapies in patients with non-small cell lung cancer achieving MPR or pCR: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to compare the survival benefits of perioperative versus neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)-based therapy in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), focusing specifically on those who achieve major pathological response (MPR) or pathological complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant ICI-based treatment.

METHOD

s: A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. A trial-level proportional meta-analysis was conducted to compare the two treatment modalities. A patient-level-based analysis was also conducted to obtain more evidence of different perioperative treatment regimens. Cox regression and accelerated failure time models were used to analyze the survival benefits in patients who achieved MPR or pCR for the proper treatment modality.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included in the trial-level proportional meta-analysis, wherein no statistical significance was observed in the 1-, 2-, and 3-year event-free survival (EFS) rates between patients with MPR and pCR receiving perioperative or neoadjuvant ICI-based therapy. The pooled median EFS (mEFS) was 40.1 and 32.1 months in patients with MPR receiving perioperative and neoadjuvant ICI-based therapies, respectively. Meanwhile, the pooled mEFS was 35.4 and 34.2 months in patients with pCR receiving perioperative and neoadjuvant ICI-based therapies, respectively. Multivariable Cox analysis showed that perioperative chemoimmunotherapy was a favorable prognostic factor compared with neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in MPR patients (P = 0.038), but not in those with pCR (P = 0.408).

CONCLUSIONS

The EFS were similar among patients with NSCLC who received neoadjuvant and perioperative ICI-based treatment and achieved MPR or pCR. Multivariable Cox analysis indicated that perioperative chemoimmunotherapy was a favorable prognostic factor in patients who achieved MPR after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, but not in those who reached pCR.

Biopsy image-based deep learning for predicting pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a widely used therapeutic strategy for patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, individual responses to NAC vary widely among patients, limiting its effective clinical application. In this study, we propose a weakly supervised deep learning model, DeepDrRVT, which integrates self-supervised feature extraction and attention-based deep multiple instance learning, to improve NAC decision making from pretreatment biopsy images. DeepDrRVT demonstrated superior predictive performance and generalizability, achieving AUCs of 0.954, 0.872 and 0.848 for complete pathologic response, and 0.968, 0.893 and 0.831 for major pathologic response in the training, internal validation and external validation cohorts, respectively. The DeepDrRVT digital assessment of residual viable tumor correlated significantly with the local pathologists' visual assessment (Pearson r = 0.98, 0.80, and 0.59; digital/visual slope = 1.0, 0.8 and 0.55) and was also associated with longer disease-free survival (DFS) in all cohorts (HR = 0.455, 95% CI 0.234-0.887, P = 0.018; HR = 0.347, 95% CI 0.135-0.892, P = 0.021 and HR = 0.446, 95% CI 0.193-1.027, P = 0.051). Furthermore, DeepDrRVT remained an independent prognostic factor for DFS after adjustment for clinicopathologic variables (HR = 0.456, 95% CI 0.227-0.914, P = 0.027; HR = 0.358, 95% CI 0.135-0.949, P = 0.039 and HR = 0.419, 95% CI 0.181-0.974, P = 0.043). Thus, DeepDrRVT holds promise as an accessible and reliable tool for clinicians to make more informed treatment decisions prior to the initiation of NAC.

Machine learning algorithms integrating positron emission tomography/computed tomography features to predict pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Reliable methods for predicting pathological complete response (pCR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy are still under exploration. Although Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) features reflect tumour response, their utility in predicting pCR remains controversial.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included NSCLC patients who received neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from October 2019 to August 2024. Eligible patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohort at a 7:3 ratio. Relevant 18F-FDG PET/CT features were evaluated as individual predictors and incorporated into 5 machine learning (ML) models. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and Shapley additive explanation was applied for model interpretation.

RESULTS

A total of 205 patients were included, with 91 (44.4%) achieving pCR. Post-treatment tumour maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) demonstrated the highest predictive performance among individual predictors, achieving an AUC of 0.72 (95% CI 0.65-0.79), while ΔT SUVmax achieved an AUC of 0.65 (95% CI 0.53-0.77). The Light Gradient Boosting Machine algorithm outperformed other models and individual predictors, achieving an average AUC of 0.87 (95% CI 0.78-0.97) in training cohort and 0.83 (95% CI 0.72-0.94) in validation cohort. Shapley additive explanation analysis identified post-treatment tumour SUVmax and post-treatment nodal volume as key contributors.

CONCLUSIONS

This ML models offer a non-invasive and effective approach for predicting pCR after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in NSCLC.

A Roadmap to Precision Immunotherapy for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer; yet many patients fail to achieve long-lasting benefit, partially because of incomplete or inconsistent biomarker predictions. Integrative multiomics, combining tumor-intrinsic, immune microenvironment, and systemic factors, offer a more comprehensive framework for precision immunotherapy, enabling improved patient stratification, treatment selection and outcomes.

Translating premalignant biology to accelerate non-small-cell lung cancer interception

Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made in the development of targeted and immune-based therapies for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. To further improve outcomes for patients with lung cancer, identifying and intercepting disease at the earliest and most curable stages are crucial next steps. With the recent implementation of low-dose computed tomography scan screening in populations at high risk, there is an emerging unmet need for new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools to help treat patients suspected of harbouring premalignant lesions and minimally invasive non-small-cell lung cancer. Continued advances in the identification of the earliest drivers of lung carcinogenesis are poised to address these unmet needs. Employing multimodal approaches to chart the temporal and spatial maps of the molecular events driving lung premalignant lesion progression will refine our understanding of early carcinogenesis. Elucidating the molecular drivers of premalignancy is critical to the development of biomarkers to detect those incubating a premalignant lesion, to stratify risk for progression to invasive cancer and to identify novel therapeutic targets to intercept that process. In this Review, we summarize emerging insights into the earliest cellular and molecular events associated with lung squamous and adenocarcinoma carcinogenesis and highlight the growing opportunity for translating these insights into clinical tools for early detection and disease interception to transform the outcomes for those at risk for lung cancer.

Immunotherapy for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Practical Guide of Current Controversies

The role of immunotherapy as systemic therapy for nonmetastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has evolved rapidly over the last decade. There are several well-conducted phase 3 clinical trials evaluating immunotherapy in the neoadjuvant, perioperative, adjuvant and nonoperative setting. In this narrative review, we summarize the data from these studies and discuss ongoing controversies in applying these data to clinical practice. These controversies relate to the value of the adjuvant component of perioperative immunotherapy, treatment of patients with PDL1 negative tumors, defining resectability, optimal use of operative versus nonoperative management, the role of stereotactic radiation therapy for very early lung cancers, and management of tumors with an oncogenic driver.

Frequency of targetable genetic alterations in resectable lung adenocarcinoma: Results from the LORD project

There is still limited data on the prevalence of actionable molecular alterations in patients with early-stage resectable lung adenocarcinoma and prior studies reported important differences across geographic locations, demographic and pathologic characteristics. The tumors of 1,603 French Canadian patients with pathologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma were interrogated using a 50-gene next-generation sequencing panel. The goal was to assess the prevalence of genetic alterations in eleven guideline-based oncogenic genes in resectable lung adenocarcinoma. Age, sex, pathological stage, smoking history and predominant histologic patterns were associated with molecular subtypes defined by oncogenic drivers. Age at surgery for the 1,603 patients was 65 ± 8 and includes 61 % of females, 6 % of patients without a smoking history and 70 % of stage I. The overall prevalence of targetable alterations for approved and investigational therapies was 65.9 % and 56.7 % of patients had tumors harboring at least one variant of strong clinical significance (tier I of the AMP/ASCO/CAP categorization). The most frequently mutated genes were KRAS (45.3 %), EGFR (11.5 %) and BRAF (3.9 %). MET exon 14 skipping alterations were identified in 47 patients (2.9 %) and oncogenic fusions in ALK, ROS1, RET and MET were found in 1.7 % of cases. As expected, EGFR activating mutations were associated with patients who never smoked, females, earlier disease stages, with more lepidic/acinar and less solid predominant patterns. Quasi similar but inverted relationships with clinico-pathological features were observed in one third of patients (n = 534) free of molecular alterations characterized by more males, patients who smoked, with later stage diagnosis and with more solid and less lepidic/acinar adenocarcinomas. This study highlights the epidemiology of guideline-based targetable alterations in French-Canadian patients with resectable lung adenocarcinoma. The large proportion of patients eligible for targeted therapies will have important impact on oncological practices in the current era of neoadjuvant and perioperative treatments.

Latest Advances in Perioperative care for Resectable Non-small lung cancer

Resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a relatively poor prognosis owing to the risk of developing local or distant metastatic recurrence, even at stage I. To overcome the high recurrence rate, perioperative therapies have been rapidly developed through the combination of existing cytotoxic chemotherapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and molecular targeted therapies. These new therapeutic strategies have significantly improved the prognosis of patients with stage II-III NSCLC and have been approved for clinical use. However, new challenges have emerged in the selection of the optimal perioperative treatment in clinical practice. First, it is currently difficult to determine which perioperative treatment is superior, preoperative or postoperative. Additionally, since surgery alone is curative in some patients, the addition of anticancer agents such as ICIs raises concerns regarding toxicity, as serious side effects during preoperative treatment may lead to an inability to perform the surgery itself. Moreover, because various perioperative treatments are still being developed, treatment options for perioperative care are expected to increase soon. To summarize the increasingly complex perioperative treatment of resectable NSCLC, this review provides a comprehensive summary of the clinical efficacies of current perioperative therapies and future directions based on basic background, patient selection, ongoing trials, and enhancing immunotherapy.

Optimal timing of cancer treatments: a call for emerging evidence from clinical trials and real-world studies

Cancer treatment has entered the era of personalised or precision medicine. Biomarker-driven therapies provide improved treatment efficacy and manageable toxicity profiles compared to systemic standard-of-care therapies. They also drive the development of combining non-surgical treatments, extending indications to early-stage tumours and further refining treatment lines with more precise options. The current treatment landscape, however, has introduced a complexity of approaches to cancer treatment, including the optimal timing of when to initiate and discontinue these treatments. Of note, treatment timing usually lacks evaluation in clinical trials and can be variable in real-world settings due to the impacts of medical, healthcare, and social factors. Given that more patients can benefit from multi-modality strategies, a better understanding of the prognostic impact of treatment-to-treatment intervals (TTIs) - the intervals between combined treatments and between treatment lines - is needed. Studies for this purpose can rely on existing trial and real-world data and be context-specific for treatment options, therapeutic settings, cancer types and biomarkers, healthcare settings or systems. This perspective article calls for emerging evidence of the optimal timing of cancer treatments. We anticipate that new studies on the optimal timing will bring new insights into how to better use cancer treatments, further improving treatment efficacy.

The efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in resectable stage I-III non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) is a new treatment method for resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Network meta-analysis assessed efficacy, safety, and optimal treatment.

METHODS

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NICT with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and international conferences. Outcomes were surgical resection rate, pathological complete response(pCR),event-free survival (EFS), and Grade 3-5 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs).

RESULTS

RCTs of 3,387 patients, six treatment combinations, and two modalities were included. Meta-analysis showed that NICT yielded higher pCR and EFS rates than NCT. The toripalimab-chemotherapy combination had the highest surgical resection rate (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.05-2.73), pCR (OR = 38.84, 95% CI: 11.05-268.19) and EFS (HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.28-0.58).This regimen worked well for patients with low programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression or squamous cell pathology. For high PD-L1 expression and patients with NSCLC, neoadjuvant nivolumab with chemotherapy had the most efficacy. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events increased with longer treatment cycles, with perioperative nivolumab combined with chemotherapy showing the worst safety profile (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.00-1.76), while neoadjuvant nivolumab combined with chemotherapy alone had the best safety profile (RR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.68-1.21). Indirect comparison showed no survival benefit for neoadjuvant-adjuvant immunotherapy (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.65-1.35). In the indirect comparison between the two immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs), although there was no significant difference in EFS (HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.61-1.08), PD-1 inhibitors may still be the most effective treatment option.

CONCLUSIONS

NICT effectively and safely treats resectable NSCLC. The optimal treatment combination is typically toripalimab and chemotherapy. Treatment based on PD-L1 expression and pathological type is recommended.

Real-World Treatment Patterns and Associated Outcomes in Patients With Resectable Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The THASSOS International Study

BACKGROUND

THASSOS-INTL (NCT04808050), a multinational, retrospective study, evaluated treatment patterns and associated outcomes in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from seven countries in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle-East and Africa.

METHODS

Eligible adult patients (≥ 18 years) with resectable clinical stage (CS) IA-IIIB NSCLC (7th AJCC) diagnosed from 01/01/2013 to 31/12/2017 were followed until death, last recorded clinical visit, or 31/12/2020 (data cut-off).

RESULTS

Of 755 patients (CS I: 30.6%, CS II: 35.0%, CS III: 34.2%) with a median age of 62 [range: 56-69] years enrolled, 69.3% were male, and 75.0% were current/ex-smokers. Of 24.2% of patients tested for EGFR, 28.4% (52/183) were positive, while 23/44 patients tested (52.3%) had PD-L1 expression (≥ 1%: 16; unknown: 7). Overall, 82.9% had surgery, of whom 39.1% (245/626) had surgery alone; 21.1% received neoadjuvant therapy, 51.1% received adjuvant therapy, and 5.8% received both; 11.2% (58/519) patients received targeted therapy (adjuvant: 47 patients; neoadjuvant: 11 patients), and 4.6% (24/519) received immunotherapy (adjuvant: 22 patients; neoadjuvant: 2 patients). The 3-year survival was 77.4% with a median overall survival (mOS) of 7.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.7-NE) years, with the highest mOS recorded with adjuvant therapy (7.5 [95% CI: 7.0-NE] years).

CONCLUSIONS

This real-world study showed > 50% use of adjuvant therapy per guideline recommendations but poor use of neoadjuvant therapy. Biomarker testing at diagnosis was low, reflecting the study period being before targeted and immunotherapies. With recent approvals of newer (neo)adjuvant agents, a multidisciplinary approach is needed for better treatment decisions to improve the prognosis of early-stage NSCLC.

Decoding the Clinical and Molecular Signatures of EGFR Common, Compound, and Uncommon Mutations in NSCLC: A Brief Report

INTRODUCTION

EGFR mutations are key oncogenic drivers in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), predominantly affecting Asian, nonsmoking, and female populations. Although common mutations, such as exon 19 deletions and L858R, respond well to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), uncommon EGFR mutations and compound variants exhibit variable treatment responses. This study aims to compare clinical characteristics and molecular profiles of patients with common, uncommon, and compound EGFR mutations, assessing their implications for therapy outcomes.

METHODS

We analyzed a multi-cohort genomic dataset of 19,163 patients with LUAD (5,212 with EGFR mutations), categorizing mutations into common, uncommon, and compound classes. Patient demographics, mutational signatures, and tumor microenvironment factors were assessed, with particular attention to smoking status and concomitant alterations in KRAS and TP53. Treatment outcomes were analyzed by time under treatment as a surrogate measure of TKI efficacy.

RESULTS

Uncommon EGFR mutations, comprising 8.9% of EGFR-altered cases, were significantly more frequent among smokers and associated with tobacco-related mutational signatures. Compared with common EGFR-mutant cases, tumors harboring uncommon EGFR mutations reported higher rates of EGFR amplifications, KRAS, and TP53 mutations. Uncommon mutations also exhibited higher tumor mutational burden and distinct transcriptional profiles linked to cell cycle activity. Median time on treatment with TKIs was notably shorter in patients with uncommon mutations (4.1 mo) than those with common and compound mutations (10.9 mo and 12.4 mo, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the clinical and molecular heterogeneity of EGFR mutation classes in LUAD, highlighting the unique profile of uncommon mutations, particularly their association with smoking and co-mutations in KRAS and TP53. Comprehensive molecular testing, including next-generation sequencing, is crucial to identify these uncommon mutations and inform therapeutic decisions. Further investigation into the role of immunotherapy in patients with uncommon EGFR mutations is warranted given the tobacco-related molecular signatures and high tumor mutational burden associated with this subgroup.

EGFR mutation status affects intra-tumoural heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression but not agreement between assays in resectable non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The predictive value of PD-L1 to select patients for immunotherapy in resectable NSCLC remains imprecise, confounded by different assays used across trials and intra-tumoural heterogeneity (ITH). We sought to compare the concordance between 3 PD-L1 antibodies stratified by EGFR mutation status, evaluate ITH and implications on survival outcomes.

METHODS

Tissue microarrays were constructed from stage IA-IIIA NSCLC with 3 tumour cores per patient. Tumour proportion score (TPS) was evaluated by 3 pathologists for SP263, SP142, 22C3 and analysed in tertiles of < 1 %, 1-49 % and ≥ 50 %. ITH was defined as discordant TPS in ≥ 2/3 tumour cores. Cohen's kappa test was used to assess agreement. Survival outcomes were estimated using Kaplan-Meier.

RESULTS

A total of 561 patients were included, 59.5% (334/561) were EGFR-mutant. Stage IA comprised 45.5%(255/561), IB 24.1%(135/561), IIA 12.7%(71/561), IIB 4.5%(25/561) and IIIA 13.4%(75/561). Across 1683 tumour cores, SP263 and 22C3 had the highest concordance (Kappa = 0.689), followed by 22C3 and SP142 (Kappa = 0.354), then SP263 and SP142 (Kappa = 0.284), similar between EGFR-mutant and EGFR-wildtype. Agreement between pathologists was almost perfect. ITH by SP263 was observed in 14.1 % of EGFR-mutant versus 24.2 % in EGFR-wildtype(p = 0.002). Discordance was highest among TPS 1-49 % at 92.6 % (88/95) followed by ≥ 50 % at 37.8 % (14/37) and least among < 1 % at 0 % (0/429) (p < 0.001). For tumour cores scored 1-49 %, 63 %/70 % of adjacent cores were scored < 1 % for EGFR-wildtype/mutant respectively. Histological grade was the only independent predictor of PD-L1 ITH on multivariable analysis. PD-L1 ITH was not associated with survival on multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

PD-L1 scoring by SP263 and 22C3 are interchangeable but not SP142 regardless of EGFR status. PD-L1 ITH was more common in EGFR-wildtype versus EGFR-mutant tumours. Extra care should be taken to select the most representative tumour core for tumours with high histological grade or TPS 1-49% as this may influence peri-operative treatment decisions.

Immunotherapy for advanced-stage squamous cell lung cancer: the state of the art and outstanding questions

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment paradigm for advanced-stage squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (LUSC), a histological subtype associated with inferior outcomes compared with lung adenocarcinoma. However, only a subset of patients derive durable clinical benefit. In the first-line setting, multiple ICI regimens are available, including anti-PD-(L)1 antibodies as monotherapy, in combination with chemotherapy, or with an anti-CTLA4 antibody with or without chemotherapy. Several important questions persist regarding the optimal regimen for individual patients, particularly how to identify patients who might benefit from adding chemotherapy and/or anti-CTLA4 antibodies to anti-PD-(L)1 antibodies. An urgent need exists for predictive biomarkers beyond PD-L1 to better guide precision oncology approaches. Deeper knowledge of the underlying molecular biology of LUSC and its implications for response to ICIs will be important in this regard. Integration of this knowledge into multi-omics methods coupled with artificial intelligence might enable the development of more robust biomarkers. Finally, several novel therapeutic strategies, including novel ICIs, bispecific antibodies and personalized cancer vaccines, are emerging. Addressing these unresolved questions through innovative clinical trials and translational research will be crucial to further improving the outcomes of patients with LUSC. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of current immunotherapeutic approaches, unresolved challenges and emerging strategies for patients with LUSC.

ERS Congress 2024: highlights from the Thoracic Oncology Assembly

#ERSCongress 2024: highlights from the Thoracic Oncology Assembly (@oncology_ERS) https://bit.ly/42vNDmp.

Osimertinib in the Treatment of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mutant Early and Locally Advanced Stages of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

The treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients was dramatically revolutionized by the introduction of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in clinical practice, both in advanced and locally advanced/early stages. The present work focuses on osimertinib use in locally advanced and early NSCLC stages. Phase 3 clinical trials have supported the use of osimertinib as the new standard of care, both in the adjuvant setting and in locally advanced disease. The ADAURA study reported an overall survival (OS) advantage for adjuvant osimertinib in completely resected stage II-IIIA EGFR-mutant tumors, while the LAURA study proved a statistically significant benefit in progression-free survival (PFS) and a delay of central nervous system metastasis development in EGFR-mutant patients treated with osimertinib maintenance after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced disease. In the neoadjuvant setting, data on osimertinib's efficacy are conflicting; therefore, the Neo-ADAURA study is evaluating the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant osimertinib alone or in combination with chemotherapy in patients with stage II-IIIB NSCLC and common EGFR mutations. We discuss several issues that need to be clarified, such as the efficacy of the drug on uncommon mutations, the long-term impact on survival, and the management of resistance mechanisms. Moreover, we report the studies that are trying to identify potential biomarkers of response, such as the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), with the aim of selecting patients who will benefit most from osimertinib.

Perioperative Chemo-Immunotherapy in Non-Oncogene-Addicted Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Italian Expert Panel Meeting

BACKGROUND

Immunotherapy (IO)-based strategies have been demonstrated to significantly prolong survival in the perioperative setting of non-oncogene-addicted non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The adoption of such strategies in clinical practice depends on heterogeneous regulatory approvals and on the agreement between medical oncologists and thoracic surgeons on patients' selection.

METHODS

An Expert Panel Meeting of medical oncologists and thoracic surgeons was held virtually by the Italian Association of Thoracic Oncology (AIOT) to discuss results of pivotal clinical trials with perioperative chemo-immunotherapy and reach agreement on open issues for the topic, formulating specific statements based on initially proposed discussion questions.

RESULTS

Overall, panelists found agreement on seven statements. With regard to tissue and biomarker analysis, the role of increasing PD-L1 expression in predicting IO efficacy was recognized, whereas ctDNA and pCR were mainly attributed a prognostic role, in the absence of dedicated studies. The panelists acknowledged direct relationship between the benefit of neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy approaches and the local burden of disease/mediastinal node involvement, supporting the inclusion of these factors, together with PD-L1, in selecting upfront surgery or induction treatment. The panelists agreed that the current literature data do not answer the issue of assessing the role of the adjuvant phase within a perioperative treatment strategy. Surgical considerations on the role of pneumonectomy and other approaches were also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

This experience highlights the importance of a synergistic approach between oncologists and surgeons to leverage the unmet needs in translating results of IO-perioperative clinical trials into clinical practice in patients with resectable NSCLC.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Targeted Therapies in Early-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives

Background: Approximately 25-30% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are diagnosed when the disease is still resectable, although the risk of recurrence is significant. Recently, approaches based on targeted agents or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have modified the management of such patients. However, some questions remain unanswered. Objectives: Our aim is to assess the current evidence on approaches involving targeted agents and ICIs in resectable NSCLC, to provide an up-to-date overview of the subject, and to identify areas of current debate, Methods: We analyzed randomized trials on ICIs and targeted therapies in early-stage NSCLC, published or presented at international oncology meetings throughout the last 5 years. Results: Osimertinib and alectinib have shown robust results in the adjuvant setting for molecularly identified patient subgroups, while ICIs have achieved robust data in the neoadjuvant/perioperative setting, with less consistent data on the pure adjuvant approach. Circulating tumor DNA levels may offer a possible biomarker for therapeutic decisions, albeit more prospective data are needed. Conclusions: Targeted agents and ICIs are revolutionizing early-stage NSCLC, similarly to what was observed in advanced disease. Prospective studies designed to compare neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and perioperative approaches and to assess the role of circulating biomarkers are warranted.

Perioperative or neo/adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy versus chemotherapy for resectable non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite surgery being the main treatment for resectable NSCLC, many patients experience postoperative recurrence. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may shrink tumors and improve surgical outcomes, while adjuvant chemotherapy targets residual disease post-surgery. Recent advancements in immunotherapy have introduced its use in the perioperative phase for resectable NSCLC. This study investigates the relative benefits and potential complications of neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and perioperative immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone, focusing on event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs).

METHODS

This systematic review and network meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO. The authors searched PUBMED, Embase, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with resectable NSCLC treated with neoadjuvant/adjuvant immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Statistical analyses were performed using a frequentist network meta-analysis method in R software.

RESULTS

From an initial 5902 articles, 13 RCTs involving 6704 patients were included after extensive filtering. PFS: Neoadjuvant and perioperative immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy showed significant benefits compared to chemotherapy alone. OS: Perioperative immunotherapy was notably more effective than adjuvant immunotherapy and standard chemotherapy. Chemotherapy generally had fewer severe adverse effects compared to neoadjuvant and perioperative immunotherapy. However, these immunotherapy combinations are generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that neoadjuvant and perioperative immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy can significantly improve overall survival in patients with resectable NSCLC compared to standard chemotherapy. However, additional adverse effects associated with long-term immunotherapy require careful management. The lack of significant benefits in specific subgroups suggests a need for further research. The study stresses the importance of optimizing treatment strategies and potentially reassessing immunotherapy's role in certain patient populations. Future clinical trials are anticipated to clarify these results further.

The Ligurian Experience in the Management of Lung Cancer: Organizational Models and New Perspectives

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is an oncological threat worldwide, including in Italy. New organizational approaches based on a network of cancer centers and multidisciplinary and technological innovation are required. The experience in the Liguria region, in northwestern Italy, in the management of lung cancer is presented with a focus on the organizational model.

METHODS

A retrospective observational analysis was conducted for the period from January 2019 to December 2023 using administrative regional data.

RESULTS

Of the total surgery treatments in Liguria, most were carried out at the IRCCS San Martino (about 47%), which is the hub's center. Most cases involved males aged ≥65 years (p < 0.001). Passive mobility showed a decrease in recent years. Considering the type of access to clinical structures, almost all that were finalized to receive chemotherapy were from the day hospital regimen (99%).

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive approach must be carried out for cancer patients to maintain high levels of care quality. In this challenging context, the Liguria region has implemented new organizational approaches based on the networking of cancer centers and multidisciplinary and technological innovation.

Surgical and safety outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy versus chemotherapy alone: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) combined with chemotherapy has improved survival outcomes in locally-advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its impact on surgery has not been fully elucidated. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare surgical outcomes between neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy and chemotherapy alone in resectable NSCLC. PubMed and Embase were searched to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating neoadjuvant ICB therapy for resectable NSCLC. The risk difference (RD) and odds ratio (OR) of outcomes such as surgical and R0 resection rates, overall complication rates, treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), and AEs leading to cancellation of surgery were pooled using the random-effect model meta-analysis. We also evaluated the correlations between overall survival (OS) and surgical and safety outcomes. Eight RCTs with 3,387 patients were analyzed. Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy was associated with improved surgical resection (RD 4.52 %, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.95 %-8.09 %, p = 0.01) and R0 resection (RD 4.04 %, 95 % CI 1.69 %-6.40 %, p = 0.0008) without increasing overall complications (RD -0.13 %, 95 % CI -5.14 %-4.88 %, p = 0.96), but an increase in surgery cancellation due to AEs (RD 1.15 %, 95 % CI 0.25 %- 2.05 %; p = 0.01) and grade 3-4 TRAEs (RD 3.42 %, 95 % CI 0.33 %-6.52 %, p = 0.03). OS did not show a direct significant correlation with surgical outcomes or TRAEs. Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy improves resection rates but increases high-grade TRAEs and AEs leading to surgery cancellation. Nevertheless, incorporating ICB into neoadjuvant approach appears reasonable by improving surgical outcomes, potentially leading to improved survival in patients with locally-advanced NSCLC.

Neoadjuvant therapy in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: A real-world analysis

BACKGROUND

Phase 3 trials of neoadjuvant immunotherapy-based regimens have shown promising outcomes in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, real-world data on treatment regimens with combined chemoimmunotherapy, patient profiles, and clinical outcomes in those patients are limited.

METHODS

This dual-center registry-based study describes clinical patterns and outcomes of using neoadjuvant platinum-based chemoimmunotherapy in patients with resectable NSCLC. The main objective was to evaluate the proportion of patients receiving local therapy after chemoimmunotherapy. Further objectives include pathological outcome, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Histological samples underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS).

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients (median age 64.5 years (interquartile range (IQR), 59-69); 40.3 % women) were included. Prior to initiation of therapy, NGS was available in 90.3 %. Median follow-up time from date of diagnosis was 374 days (IQR, 241-605). After neoadjuvant therapy, 46 patients underwent surgery and 23 radiotherapy, resulting in 69 patients receiving local therapy. Out of 46 patients who underwent surgery, 22 had pathological complete remission (PR), 11 major PR, and 12 minor PR. DFS (95 % confidence interval (CI)) in 43 (out of 46) surgical patients with R0 resection was 98 % (93-100), 98 % (93-100) and 81 % (57-100) after 180, 360 and 720 days, respectively. OS (95 % CI) was 97 % (94-100), 90 % (82-99) and 90 % (82-99), after 180, 360 and 720 days, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Following neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, the majority of resectable early-stage NSCLC patients could undergo local therapy in routine clinical practice. This was associated with favorable DFS and OS.

Optimizing Care Across the Continuum for Older Adults with Lung Cancer: A Review

Older adults with lung cancer experience inferior clinical outcomes compared to their younger counterparts. This review provides the scaffolding to address these disparities by delineating (1) the distinct and varied care needs of older adults with lung malignancies, (2) evidence-based measures for identifying subgroups within this population meriting tailored approaches to care, (3) age-specific considerations for the selection of cancer-directed therapy, and (4) opportunities for future work to enhance clinical outcomes and care delivery.

Emerging Mechanisms of Physical Exercise Benefits in Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Cancer Immunotherapy

The primary factors that can be modified in one's lifestyle are the most influential determinants and significant preventable causes of various types of cancer. Exercise has demonstrated numerous advantages in preventing cancer and aiding in its treatment. However, the precise mechanisms behind these effects are still not fully understood. To contribute to our comprehension of exercise's impact on cancer immunotherapy and provide recommendations for future research in exercise oncology, we will examine the roles and underlying mechanisms of exercise on immune cells. In addition to reducing the likelihood of developing cancer, exercise can also improve the effectiveness of certain approved anticancer treatments, such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Exercise is a pivotal modulator of the immune response, and thus, it can play an emerging important role in new immunotherapies. The mechanisms responsible for these effects involve the regulation of intra-tumoral angiogenesis, myokines, adipokines, their associated pathways, cancer metabolism, and anticancer immunity. Our review assesses the potential of physical exercise as an adjuvant/neoadjuvant tool, reducing the burden of cancer relapse, and analyzes emerging molecular mechanisms predicting favorable adjuvanticity effects.

Spatial profiling of METex14-altered NSCLC under tepotinib treatment: Shifting the immunosuppressive landscape

MET inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring METex14 skipping alterations. Advancements in spatial profiling technologies have unveiled the complex dynamics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), a crucial factor in cancer progression and therapeutic response. This study uses spatial profiling to investigate the effects of the MET inhibitor tepotinib on the TME in a case of locally advanced NSCLC with a METex14 skipping alteration. A patient with resectable stage IIIB NSCLC, unresponsive to neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy, received tepotinib following the detection of a METex14 skipping alteration. Paired pre- and post-treatment biopsies were subjected to GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiling using the Cancer Transcriptome Atlas and immune-related protein panels to evaluate shifts in the immune TME. Tepotinib administration allowed for a successful lobectomy and a pathological downstaging to stage IA1. The TME was transformed from an immunosuppressive to a more permissive state, with upregulation of antigen-presenting and pro-inflammatory immune cells. Moreover, a marked decrease in immune checkpoint molecules, including PD-L1, was noted. Spatial profiling identified discrete immune-enriched clusters, indicating the role of tepotinib in modulating immune cell trafficking and function. Tepotinib appears to remodel the immune TME in a patient with METex14 skipping NSCLC, possibly increasing responsiveness to immunotherapy. Our study supports the integration of genetic profiling into the management of early and locally advanced NSCLC to guide personalized, targeted interventions. These findings underscore the need to further evaluate combinations of MET inhibitors and immunotherapies.

Assessment of PD-L1 expression and tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in early-stage non-small cell lung carcinoma with artificial intelligence algorithms

AIMS

To study programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.

METHODS

The study included samples from 50 early-stage NSCLCs. PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) stained slides (clone SP263) were scored manually and with two different AI tools (PathAI and Navify Digital Pathology) by three pathologists. TILs were digitally assessed on H&E and CD8 IHC stained sections with two different algorithms (PathAI and Navify Digital Pathology, respectively). The agreement between observers and methods for each biomarker was analysed. For PD-L1, the turn-around time (TAT) for manual versus AI-assisted scoring was recorded.

RESULTS

Agreement was higher in tumours with low PD-L1 expression regardless of the approach. Both AI-powered tools identified a significantly higher number of cases equal or above 1% PD-L1 tumour proportion score as compared with manual scoring (p=0.00015), a finding with potential therapeutic implications. Regarding TAT, there were significant differences between manual scoring and AI use (p value <0.0001 for all comparisons). The total TILs density with the PathAI algorithm and the total density of CD8+ cells with the Navify Digital Pathology software were significantly correlated (τ=0.49 (95% CI 0.37, 0.61), p value<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study supports the use of AI algorithms for the scoring of PD-L1 and TILs in patients with NSCLC.

Non-small-cell lung cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most frequent cancer types and is responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The management of NSCLC has improved considerably, especially in the past 10 years. The systematic screening of populations at risk with low-dose CT, the implementation of novel surgical and radiotherapeutic techniques and a deeper biological understanding of NSCLC that has led to innovative systemic treatment options have improved the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. In non-metastatic NSCLC, the combination of various perioperative strategies and adjuvant immunotherapy in locally advanced disease seem to enhance cure rates. In metastatic NSCLC, the implementation of novel drugs might prolong disease control together with preserving quality of life. The further development of predictive clinical and genetic markers will be essential for the next steps in individualized treatment concepts.

Management of Non-Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with Driver Gene Alterations: An Evolving Scenario

The ever-growing knowledge regarding NSCLC molecular biology has brought innovative therapies into clinical practice; however, the treatment situation in the non-metastatic setting is rapidly evolving. Indeed, immunotherapy-based perioperative treatments are currently considered the standard of care for patients with resectable NSCLC in the absence of EGFR mutations or ALK gene rearrangements. Recently, data have been presented on the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the adjuvant and locally advanced setting for patients with NSCLC harboring such driver gene alterations. The aim of the current work is to review the available evidence on the use of targeted treatments in the non-metastatic setting, together with a summary of the ongoing trials designed for actionable gene alterations other than EGFR and ALK. To date, 3-year adjuvant osimertinib treatment has been demonstrated to improve DFS and OS and to reduce CNS recurrence in resected EGFR-mutated NSCLC in stage IB-IIIA (TNM 7th edition). The use of osimertinib after chemo-radiation in stage III unresectable EGFR-mutated NSCLC showed the relevant PFS improvement. In the ALK-positive setting, 2-year alectinib treatment was shown to clearly improve DFS compared to adjuvant standard chemotherapy in resected NSCLC with stage IB (≥4 cm)-IIIA (TNM 7th edition). Several trials are ongoing to establish the optimal adjuvant TKI treatment duration, as well as neoadjuvant TKI strategies in EGFR- and ALK-positive disease, and (neo)adjuvant targeted treatments in patients with actionable gene alterations other than EGFR or ALK. In conclusion, our review depicts how the current treatment scenario is expected to rapidly change in the context of non-metastatic NSCLC with actionable gene alterations, hence appropriate molecular testing from the early stages has become crucial to establish the most adequate approaches both in the perioperative and the locally advanced disease.

Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: New Challenges with Immune Checkpoint Blockers and Targeted Therapies

The recent advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has dramatically modified treatment strategies by improving the prognosis in this setting. Osimertinib and alectinib, both TKIs, have shown significant improvements in outcomes for patients with resected EGFR- and ALK-positive NSCLC, respectively, changing the standard of care in these subgroups. More recently, the LAURA trial showed the efficacy of osimertinib after chemoradiotherapy in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. Numerous trials are still ongoing to investigate neoadjuvant/perioperative TKIs in several oncogene-driven NSCLC. In addition, several ICBs have been tested and approved as adjuvant (atezolizumab and pembrolizumab), neoadjuvant (nivolumab), and perioperative treatments (pembrolizumab) for patients with resectable early-stage NSCLC. Despite these advances, many challenges remain regarding the use of TKIs and ICBs in this setting, including the optimal duration of adjuvant TKI or induction ICB therapy, the role of minimal residual disease to identify patients at high-risk of disease relapse and to guide adjuvant treatment decisions, and the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in resected oncogene-driven NSCLC. Furthermore, potential predictive biomarkers for efficacy are needed to eventually intensify the entire perioperative strategies. This review aims to summarize and discuss the available evidence, the ongoing trials, and the challenges associated with TKI- and ICB-based approaches in early-stage NSCLC.