Promising Results from DeLLphi-303: Safety and Survival in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Clinical trial results reveal an acceptable safety profile and unprecedented survival rates in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer treated with tarlatamab combined with anti-PD-L1 therapy, marking a significant advance in lung cancer research.
Recent clinical findings from the Phase Ib DeLLphi-303 trial highlight the safety and efficacy of combining tarlatamab with anti-PD-L1 therapy as a first-line maintenance treatment for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Presented by Dr. K.G. Paulson from the Providence-Swedish Cancer Institute at the 2025 WCLC in Barcelona, the study underscores significant advancements in survival outcomes for this patient group.
Tarlatamab is a bispecific T-cell engager designed to mobilize immune cells against cancer cells expressing delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3). Previous research demonstrated its potential to extend overall survival in second-line SCLC settings. Building on this, investigators assessed its safety and effectiveness when used alongside immune checkpoint inhibitors, atezolizumab or durvalumab, in the first-line maintenance phase.
The trial enrolled 88 patients who had previously responded to four to six cycles of platinum-etoposide chemotherapy combined with anti-PD-L1 therapy. Patients began maintenance therapy within eight weeks of completing chemotherapy, receiving tarlatamab intravenously every two weeks, combined with either atezolizumab or durvalumab every four weeks until disease progression.
After a median follow-up of 18.4 months, the median overall survival was an impressive 25.3 months, with median progression-free survival of 5.6 months. The safety profile was manageable, with cytokine release syndrome (predominantly grade 1) occurring in 56% of patients, and immune-related neurotoxicity in 6%. Importantly, adverse events decreased over time, indicating long-term tolerability.
Lead researcher Dr. Paulson emphasized, "The combination of tarlatamab with anti-PD-L1 therapy offers a promising and manageable approach, showing unprecedented survival in ES-SCLC patients." These promising results support the ongoing Phase III DeLLphi-305 trial, which aims to further validate this combination therapy as a standard first-line treatment option.
This breakthrough underscores the potential of innovative immunotherapy strategies to improve outcomes for patients with aggressive lung cancers.
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Reevaluating the Perceived Medical Advantage of New York City
New research reveals that New York City’s extensive medical specialist offerings may not translate into better access to specialized care, with smaller cities often providing more specialists per capita. The study highlights significant inequalities and challenges assumptions about urban healthcare superiority.
Progress and Challenges in Reducing Life Expectancy Gaps Across Australia
Recent research shows Australian efforts to narrow socioeconomic disparities in life expectancy are making progress, but regional inequalities still pose significant health challenges. Learn about the latest findings and their implications for public health policy.
Genetic Connection Between Childhood Brain Disorder and Adult Parkinson's Disease Uncovered
New research uncovers a genetic connection between a rare childhood neurodevelopmental disorder and the development of Parkinson's disease in adults, highlighting shared cellular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.