The Future of Lung Cancer: Screening, Treatment & Unmet Needs

In their concluding remarks, the experts highlight critical future directions and unmet needs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A major focus is on improving lung cancer screening. They note that current screening rates are unacceptably low (~20%) and emphasize the need to better integrate it into primary care. Furthermore, they call for expanded screening criteria to include populations not currently eligible, such as never-smokers and light smokers, especially women, who are increasingly being diagnosed.

On the treatment front, they acknowledge the transformative impact of immunotherapy and targeted therapy, which have led to durable responses in some stage IV patients. However, the primary challenge now is overcoming acquired resistance to these treatments. The experts identify understanding immunotherapy resistance as a key research priority and express hope for novel agents like bispecific antibodies. They conclude that clinical trials remain the cornerstone for advancing the field and improving outcomes for all patients with lung cancer.