Clinical studies

NeoLetExe

Letrezole provided stronger oestrogen suppression than exemestane and reduced the proliferation marker KI-67.

Significance: May influence the choice of aromatase inhibitor in neoadjuvant treatment, particularly in overweight patients.

References: BMC Cancer (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Breast Cancer Research and Treatment (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

VERITAC‑2 (C4891001)

Vepdegestrant (ARV‑471) demonstrated a significant improvement in progression-free survival in patients with ESR1 mutation compared to fulvestrant.

Significance: First PROTAC degrader with documented clinical benefit in breast cancer. May become a new treatment option for hormone-resistant disease.

References: clinicaltrials.gov, New England Journal of Medicine (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

PETREMAC

Molecularly stratified treatment provided equal or better response than standard chemotherapy, with fewer side effects.

Significance: Supports personalised treatment based on genetic profiling.

References: JCO Precision Oncology (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Annals of Oncology (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Clinical Cancer Research (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

KeyForm‑007 (MK428A‑007)

The combination of favezelimab and pembrolizumab did not show improved survival compared to standard treatment.

Significance: Highlights the limited efficacy of immunotherapy in MSS colorectal cancer and the need for alternative approaches.

References: clinicaltrials.gov

KeyNote‑177 (MK3475‑177)

Pembrolizumab monotherapy improved progression-free survival by 40% in patients with MSI-H/dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer.

Significance: Has changed first-line treatment in this biomarker-defined group.

References: clinicaltrials.gov, Lancet Oncology (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

METIMMOX

Robot-Assisted Thoracic Surgery – 200 Lobectomies

Experiences from the first 200 robot-assisted lobectomies for lung cancer demonstrated a clear learning curve, with good learning progression and postoperative outcomes following the establishment phase.

Significance: Confirms that RATS provides safe and effective treatment pathways once the team gains experience, supporting further investment in robotic surgery.

References: J Thorac Dis 2025

Nordic Lung Cancer Care Comparison

A Nordic survey of lung cancer practices revealed that Finland has lower access to CT in primary healthcare, longer waiting times, less access to certain new treatments, and lacks a national system for tracking outcomes.

Significance: The findings suggest that differences in primary healthcare, resources, and system organisation may contribute to Finland's lower 5-year survival rate for lung cancer. The results may provide insights for other healthcare systems seeking to enhance diagnostics and patient pathways.

References: Acta Oncol 2025

Real-world Pembrolizumab ≥50 % PD-L1

Combination therapy with immunotherapy and chemotherapy provided better early survival than pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and PD-L1 >50%. Certain groups, particularly women, patients with stage IVB, and PD-L1 >75%, also had improved overall survival. The study is based on data from the Cancer Registry.

Significance: The findings challenge current treatment practices and underscore the need to optimise patient selection in this patient population.

References: ESMO Open 2025

High vs Standard Dose Twice-Daily Radiotherapy

Final data from a phase II study showed differences in survival and toxicity between high and standard dose radiotherapy for limited small cell lung cancer.

Significance: Provides a basis for better dose selection in clinical practice and strengthens the knowledge base for optimal radiotherapy.

References: J Thorac Oncol 2025

Nordic Incidental Pulmonary Nodule Guideline Adherence

Surveys across the Nordic countries show significant variation in how guidelines for incidental lung nodules are followed. The study indicates high adherence to guidelines in Nordic hospitals, with a clear preference for hybrid approaches that combine different guidelines.

Significance: The study provides insight into how lung nodules are managed in the Nordics and lays the groundwork for further Nordic collaboration on a common guideline.

References: Acta Oncol 2025

Multidisciplinary Team Meetings in Norway and Denmark
A mapping of lung cancer MDT meetings in Norway and Denmark showed similar organisation, with all meetings led by lung specialists and featuring broad interdisciplinary participation. Observations with MDT-MODe confirmed valuable contributions from key specialists, and comorbidities were discussed for most patients. However, patient preferences and psychosocial factors were less frequently addressed.

Significance: The study demonstrates high and consistent quality of MDT meetings in both countries but highlights potential for improvement in systematically including the patient perspective.

References: Acta Oncol 2024

Limbic Encephalitis after Durvalumab
A case report describes the development of limbic encephalitis following treatment with durvalumab for small cell lung cancer.

Significance: Raises awareness of rare but serious immune-related side effects that require prompt identification and treatment.

References: Front Immunol 2023

ATLAS‑IT‑05 (C20‑315‑05)

LTX‑315 in combination with pembrolizumab provided disease control in patients who had previously not responded to PD‑1 inhibitors.

Significance: May render immunologically "cold" tumours susceptible to immunotherapy.

References: clinicaltrials.gov, Clinical Cancer Research (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

CheckMate 025 (CA209‑025)

Nivolumab improved overall survival compared to everolimus in patients with advanced kidney cancer.

Significance: Has contributed to a change in the treatment standard for advanced kidney cancer.

References: clinicaltrials.gov

CNIS793B12301

NIS793 combined with chemotherapy reduced tumour fibrosis and increased chemosensitivity.

Significance: May open up new treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer, which has limited therapeutic options.

References: clinicaltrials.gov

PEACE‑3 (1333‑GUCG)

The combination of enzalutamide and radium‑223 improved radiological progression-free survival and reduced the risk of death by 31%.

Significance: May be established as a new first-line treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with skeletal metastases.

References: European Urology (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

IPA (CO39303)

Ipatasertib improved progression-free survival in patients with PTEN loss, but not in the entire population.

Significance: Highlights the importance of genetic stratification for targeted treatment.

References: clinicaltrials.gov, Lancet (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

The FUZE Clinical Trial (Debio 1347‑201)

Evaluation of the FGFR inhibitor Debio 1347 in patients with solid tumours with FGFR mutations.

Significance: May provide targeted treatment for FGFR-driven tumours, which often have few treatment options.

References: clinicaltrials.gov

PALLiON

Early integration of palliative care reduced aggressive cancer treatment and improved quality of life.

Significance: Emphasises the importance of early palliative intervention for better patient experience and resource utilisation.

References: Palliative Medicine (journals.sagepub.com)

Subcutaneous versus intravenous morphine during the transition from oral to parenteral administration in palliative cancer patients

The study showed that both subcutaneous and intravenous morphine are safe and equally effective when palliative patients need to switch from oral to parenteral treatment. Intravenous morphine resulted in faster and higher peak concentrations, but without clinical benefits. Catheters were often used, had few complications, and generally remained in place until the patient's death.

Significance: The results support that both administration methods are good alternatives in palliative cancer treatment. Although intravenous administration provides pharmacokinetic differences, this does not lead to better symptom relief. Further studies are needed in patients with potentially reduced subcutaneous absorption.

References: BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), PhD defence Eva Gravdahl (med.uio.no)

Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer screening has shown good results in larger randomised studies internationally. The Norwegian project is examining the implementation of a national screening programme and has demonstrated positive outcomes in a Norwegian context. The study provides important knowledge for the further implementation of a national screening programme in Norway.

Significance: It supports the notion that lung cancer screening can work well in Norway and provides a solid data foundation for future decisions regarding structure and operation.

Reference: J Cancer Policy |  Acta Oncol 2026

TIDL

The TIDL study is a three-year pilot study on the early diagnosis of lung cancer using low-dose CT, in which around 2000 participants at high risk for lung cancer have been screened.

Significance: The mortality rate of lung cancer can be reduced when the disease is detected early, at a stage where curative treatment is possible.

Reference: Acta Oncologica