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Cancer research

Researchers Describe New Data in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at San Matteo Hospital Foundation have described new data in non-small cell lung cancer treatment, highlighting the potential benefits of combining immunotherapy and non-ablative radiation therapy. According to a case report published in Frontiers in Oncology, the association of immunotherapy and non-ablative radiation regimens may represent a safe and effective strategy to achieve complete response, even in fragile patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study presents a case of an elderly fragile patient with advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with pembrolizumab as first systemic line and immuno-modulant radiation therapy at oligo-progression.
  • The patient underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy using a non-ablative regimen (24 Gy in 3 fractions) achieving partial response with abscopal effect and without drug interruption.
  • The treatment was repeated after one year, resulting in complete response without severe side effects.
  • The study suggests that the combination of immunotherapy and non-ablative radiation therapy may be a safe and effective strategy to achieve complete response, even in fragile patients.
  • The authors highlight the importance of prioritizing the burden of side effects in elderly and fragile patients.
  • The study presents a unique case report showcasing the effectiveness of this treatment combination in a patient with poor respiratory function.

Statistics:

  • 24 Gy in 3 fractions was the dosage used for the first stereotactic body radiation therapy treatment.
  • 40 Gy in 20 fractions was the dosage used for the second conventional non-ablative radiation treatment.
  • The patient's poor respiratory function did not change during both treatments.
  • The treatment resulted in partial response with abscopal effect and without drug interruption.
  • The patient achieved complete response without severe side effects.

Sources:

  • A non-small cell lung cancer fragile elderly patient treated with immunotherapy and non-ablative radiation therapy: a case report of a winning combination. Frontiers in Oncology, 2025,15. (Frontiers in Oncology - http://www.frontiersin.org/oncology)
  • NewsRx. Data on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Described by Researchers at San Matteo Hospital Foundation (A non-small cell lung cancer fragile elderly patient treated with immunotherapy and non-ablative radiation therapy: a case report of a winning ...). Immunotherapy Weekly. September 3, 2025; p 916.

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