Maintenance Combination of Lurbinectedin and Atezolizumab Improves Survival in Lung Small Cell Carcinoma
A combination of lurbinectedin and atezolizumab as maintenance therapy significantly improves survival in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, according to new research presented at ASCO 2025.
Recent research presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting has highlighted the potential benefits of maintenance therapy with a combination of lurbinectedin and atezolizumab for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Traditionally, patients with ES-SCLC undergo initial intensive treatment, but options post-therapy have been limited.
In this study, 660 previously untreated ES-SCLC patients received standard induction therapy consisting of atezolizumab, carboplatin, and etoposide over four cycles. Those who showed no disease progression were then randomized to receive either maintenance therapy with lurbinectedin plus atezolizumab or atezolizumab alone, administered every three weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal.
Follow-up over a median of 15 months revealed significant improvements in patient outcomes with the combination therapy. Progression-free survival was notably longer in the lurbinectedin plus atezolizumab group, with a stratified hazard ratio of 0.54 indicating a reduced risk of disease progression. Overall survival also favored the combination, with a hazard ratio of 0.73. The median duration of maintenance treatment was approximately 4.1 months for the combination group compared to 2.1 months for the atezolizumab-only group.
Despite the promising efficacy, the combination therapy was associated with a higher incidence of treatment-related adverse events, reported in 83.5% of patients, compared to 40% in the control group. These adverse events led to discontinuation of treatment in 6.2% of participants versus 3.3% respectively. Nonetheless, the improved survival outcomes mark a significant milestone in the management of this aggressive form of lung cancer.
According to Dr. Luis G. Paz Ares, the findings could represent a crucial advancement in treating ES-SCLC, offering patients a new therapeutic option that extends survival and potentially improves quality of life.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-maintenance-lurbinectedin-atezolizumab-survival-lung.html
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