Lung cancer treatment that could double survival rates unveiled by scientists

A new type of treatment could double the chances of survival for some patients suffering from the most common type of lung cancer, according to scientists. Drug company Roche has been carrying out tests on an immunotherapy treatment, with early results suggesting it could be a better option than chemotherapy for those with non-small cell lung cancer. The research, which is to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, has been welcomed by cancer charities. Jesme Fox, medical director at Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “There is much optimism that immunotherapy will provide a new treatment paradigm for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.”

Lung cancer remains a devastating disease, with the vast majority of patients diagnosed when the disease is in the late, non-curative stage. It is for this reason that new and innovative therapies are of great need.

Jesme Fox, medical director at Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

Fewer than 30% of lung cancer patients will still be alive one year after the disease is detected. About 85% of sufferers have non-small cell lung cancer and could potentially be helped by the new treatment, which is known as MPDL3280A. The drug, which had been awarded breakthrough therapy designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), works by interfering with the PD-L1 protein on tumour cells. By doing this, it may help T cells in the blood, restoring their ability to detect and attack tumour cells.

The results show that activating the body’s immune system, through MPDL3280A inhibition of PD-L1 receptors on cancer cells, can improve overall survival for individuals with some types of non-small cell lung cancer, an important step in a disease where patient outcomes are poor.

Dr Yvonne Summers, The Christie NHS Trust & University Hospital South Manchester

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