Welcome to the March 2026 edition of the Rare Mutations and Fusions newsletter from LUNGevity's Patient Gateways.
Since our last newsletter, there has been a lot of progress in treating lung cancer with rare driver mutations, including new drug approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA approved two new options for treating HER2-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the past few months. Both drugs are targeted therapies, called TKIs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) that target mutated HER2 proteins in advanced NSCLC.
In August 2025, zongertinib, a HER2-directed TKI, was granted accelerated approval by the FDA for treating patients who have received prior systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy. And recently, in February 2026, zongertinib received accelerated approval as a first-line treatment for patients.
In November 2025, the FDA granted accelerated approval for sevabertinib (another HER2-directed TKI) to treat patients who have received prior systemic therapy.
With these two TKIs showing strong benefits for patients, there is a lot of optimism in continuing this momentum for treating people with HER2-positive NSCLC.
Researchers are also making progress in treating ROS1-positive NSCLC.
The ARROS-1 trial tested zidesamtinib, an investigational ROS1-inhibitor designed to work in the brain and avoid side effects caused by blocking other important protein functions. In patients who had not received a prior ROS1 therapy, 89% had their tumors shrink or disappear. In those previously treated with ROS1 therapies, the response rate was 44%. Importantly, zidesamtinib has shown activity against G2032R, a known acquired resistance mutation. Research is ongoing, but so far, zidesamtinib seems like a promising next-generation treatment.
The research community is working on improving options for many different types of lung cancer, including tumors driven by BRAF alterations. Through continued support for research, we can build a brighter future for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis.
You can get details about these studies in the news articles below. And be sure to visit the Rare Mutations and Fusions Patient Gateway to stay up to date on the latest research findings, tips for living well, and FDA approvals.
Research News
FDA approves HERNEXEOS®, the first targeted therapy for adults with HER2-mutant advanced NSCLC as an initial treatment option
Edmonton Journal Online
February 26, 2026
FDA Approval of Sevabertinib Expands Treatment Options for HER2-Mutated NSCLC
News Break
February 9, 2026
Zidesamtinib Demonstrates Responses in ROS1-Positive NSCLC
News Break
September 9, 2025
Get Connected
Join Us for the Rare Mutations Virtual Meetup
This is an easy way to build your community. On the first Wednesday of each month, you can connect with others who understand what it’s like to live with lung cancer with rare mutations and fusions. The next Virtual Meetup is happening on April 1, 2026, at 3pm ET. Register for free to get a confirmation email with details about how to join the virtual meeting. New attendees are always welcome and encouraged to join!
Can’t make it? Don’t worry, there’s a full list of virtual meetups to fit your schedule.
Registration is Now Open
May 1-3, 2026
HOPE Summit in Dallas, TX
Join us for HOPE Summit, a warm and uplifting in-person gathering where lung cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers come together to learn, connect, and feel inspired. Participate in-person or virtually. Registration is free and easy. Sign up today!
Have You Seen?
Tips to Manage Scanxiety
Many people struggle with feelings of anxiety or worry before medical exams, such as an MRI or a CT scan. LUNGevity has compiled six tips to help patients and caregivers manage this “scanxiety.”
Special Editorial: The State of Lung Cancer
Recently people have been celebrating the news that 70% of patients with cancer in the United States survive for five years or more. This is a remarkable achievement. However, this milestone doesn’t reflect the reality for many patients with lung cancer.
To help patients and families understand the current state of lung cancer, Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Executive Director of LUNGevity Research, recently shared his expert perspective in a special editorial article that explains the progress for people with lung cancer.
Highlights from the Biggest Research Conferences
LUNGevity brings you coverage from all the big oncology conferences so you can stay up to date on the progress and breakthroughs in lung cancer research and treatment. In this issue, we’re sharing research highlights from the annual meetings of:
- World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) Sept. 6-9 in Barcelona, Spain
- European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Oct. 17-21 in Berlin, Germany
- Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Nov. 5-9 in Maryland, US
Creating Effective Options for Treating Lung Cancer with BRAF Fusions
BRAF fusions are rare genetic changes that drive some cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet no targeted treatments currently exist. Michael Offin, MD, a physician-scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, is working to change that. With support from LUNGevity, Dr. Offin and his team of collaborators are testing promising new drugs and building lab models from patient tissue samples. Their goal is clear: to transform discoveries in the lab into lifesaving treatments for patients with BRAF-driven lung cancers. Read this article to learn more about this research.
…and there is always so much more to explore on the Rare Mutations & Fusions Patient Gateway.
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If you need further assistance along your lung cancer journey, please email us at support@lungevity.org. Our team is always here to assist you.
