July Lung Cancer Highlights: Top 5 Updates Patients Should Know

As July concludes, momentum in lung cancer research and treatment continues to build, marked by recent FDA decisions, clinical trial progress, and patient-centered perspectives. From new targeted therapies to regulatory treatment designations for novel antibody-drug conjugates, the pace of innovation is accelerating.

These regulatory actions underscore a growing shift toward more personalized approaches for individuals with lung cancer.

Read on for highlights from the evolving landscape of lung cancer care.

A Recent Lung Cancer Approval Generates Progress in the Field

Lung cancer treatment has progressed rapidly, with new therapies, reshaping care options for patients. In a recent interview with CURE, Dr. Jacob Sands of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute emphasized the dramatic evolution in the field, noting that nearly all patients today receive therapies developed within the past five to ten years.

"The field is moving fast, and I'm very optimistic about further advances as we go forward... We're working as fast as we can to develop new and better treatments. We're not stopping until we can control everyone's cancer," Sands emphasized in the interview when asked what patients should understand about how their care options might evolve over time.

He highlighted the approval of Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk) as an example of this momentum, particularly for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. With research accelerating, new treatment options are expected to emerge continually, offering even more promise in the years ahead.

FDA Fast Tracks DB-1310 for Advanced NSCLC

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted fast track designation to DB-1310, a HER3-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, for adults with advanced or metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR exon 19 deletion or L858R mutation following progression on a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy. The designation is based on early-phase clinical trial results demonstrating antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile, with a disease control rate of 91.3% and median progression-free survival of 7 months.

“DB-1310 demonstrated encouraging clinical efficacy and manageable safety in patients with [this disease] and multiple solid tumors,” Dr. Hua Mu, global chief medical officer of DualityBio, said in the news release. “It is noteworthy that preclinical investigations of DB-1310 in combination with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other anticancer agents have also demonstrated robust synergistic tumor suppression activity.”

Developed using DualityBio’s DITAC platform, DB-1310 showed efficacy and tolerability across solid tumors in the phase 1/2a trial. The trial continues to explore DB-1310's optimal dosing and long-term outcomes in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

How Two Cancer Diagnoses Led to a Renewed Purpose in Life

This blog post from Sue McCarthy, who received diagnoses of breast cancer in 2001 and lung cancer in 2018, shares a deeply personal journey through two cancer diagnoses. She discusses why she initially chose mastectomy and reconstruction over standard treatment, based on a powerful family history of breast cancer and a desire to prevent recurrence. Despite complications and a long recovery, she moved forward with renewed purpose, launching a successful business and participating in cancer awareness events with her daughters.

Years later, a chance discovery following a minor car accident led to a lung cancer diagnosis, triggering another fight for her life. With the help of her doctors, she entered remission. Although the emotional toll was profound, especially during the pandemic, she emerged with a commitment to advocacy and support for others navigating cancer. This is her 'new normal,' one filled with gratitude, and purpose.

New Treatment Approved by FDA for EGFR Exon 20 NSCLC

The U.S. FDA has granted accelerated approval to Zegfrovy (sunvozertinib) for those with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations whose disease progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy. Alongside the drug’s approval, the FDA also authorized the Oncomine Dx Express Test to help identify patients with these mutations.

Approval was based on results from the WU-KONG1B trial, which showed a confirmed overall response rate of 46% and a median duration of response of 11.1 months. Patients received 200 milligrams of Zegfrovy orally once daily with food until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The prescribing label includes warnings for interstitial lung disease, gastrointestinal and skin toxicities, ocular side effects, and potential fetal harm.

A Cancer Survivor Turned Patient Advocate Shares Her Own Experience

Lung cancer survivor and patient advocate Terry Gillespie emphasized the importance of self-compassion and community support for those starting their cancer journey. Reflecting on her own experience 25 years ago when treatment options were limited and side effects less acknowledged, she shared that preparing mentally for the highs and lows can help patients navigate their diagnosis with greater resilience.

“Once you're diagnosed with cancer, lung cancer, it does something to you… if you [are prepared for the] ups and downs, like a roller coaster, and give yourself grace, the journey isn't as horrible as it could be. You make it through,” Gillespie explained in the interview.

Gillespie stressed the value of peer communities, such as Lung Cancer Longevity and Fight for Air, and cautioned against relying solely on internet searches for medical guidance. Her continued advocacy is fueled by a desire to ensure no one faces cancer alone, as she once did.

References

1. “DualityBio’s next-generation HER3 ADC DB-1310 granted FDA fast track designation.” DualityBio news release, July 22, 2025.
2. “DB-1310, a HER3-targeted ADC, in pts with advanced solid tumors: Preliminary results from the phase 1/2a trial,” by Dr. Lisberg A, et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology.

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