Welcome to this edition of the KRAS Patient Gateway newsletter. It's hard to believe that July 4th is almost here!
For 40 years since its discovery, scientists worked, and failed, to successfully target the KRAS gene in cancer. That all changed back in 2021 with the first approved drug to target the KRAS G12C mutation. Fast-forward to today: in addition to sotorasib, another drug, adagrasib, continues to show improvements in progression-free survival for patients with KRAS G12C+ NSCLC. Additionally, adagrasib shows activity in the brain, which is often a challenge for drug developers.
In this issue of the KRAS newsletter, you will see how efforts to target KRAS mutations have taken off over the past few years. Beyond the two current drugs available (sotorasib and adagrasib), researchers are working on multiple new approaches. These include new drugs, like olomorasib, that are in early-phase clinical trials. Additionally, researchers are looking at drug combinations up front, instead of using a single drug, to improve outcomes.
One limitation in the KRAS space has been that current treatments are targeting only the KRAS G12C mutation and not other mutations belonging to this family. Fortunately, many companies are working to develop "pan-KRAS" inhibitors, meaning they would work against multiple mutations, not just KRAS G12C. Finally, scientists are pursuing other approaches including cancer vaccines to treat disease and improve survival.
It's an exciting time from a research and development perspective, and we should continue to see improvements in treatment options for those diagnosed with KRAS+ NSCLC.
Research News
MIMS.com
KRYSTAL-12 boosts adagrasib as 2L Tx alternative for KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC
Published Jun 24, 2024
DocWire News
KRYSTAL-12: Adagrasib Significantly Improved PFS, Response in Certain Form of NSCLC
Published Jun 18, 2024
MedPage Today
Another KRAS Inhibitor Scores an Early Win in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published Jun 11, 2024
Oncology Pipeline
Revolution sees a new pan-KRAS challenger
Published Jun 11, 2024
Healio
Adagrasib delays progression of pretreated KRAS-mutant lung cancer
Published Jun 7, 2024
Precision Medicine Online
Frontline KRAS G12C Combinations in NSCLC Offer Hope of Improving Upon Monotherapy
Published Jun 4, 2024
Fortune India
Vaccines, next-generation drugs, therapies in the making to tame cancer
Published Jun 3, 2024
FirstWord Pharma
Updated Data from the Phase 1/2 Study of Olomorasib in KRAS G12C-Mutant Advanced Solid Tumors Presented at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting
Published Jun 3, 2024
The ASCO Post
Sotorasib, the Poster Child for Project Optimus: Truths and Fantasies
Published Apr 12, 2024
Pharmacy Times
Embracing a Precision Medicine Approach to KRAS G12C–Mutated Advanced NSCLC
Published Apr 4, 2024
Get Connected
Join us for the KRAS Virtual Meetup
This is an easy way to build your community. On the third Wednesday of each month, you can connect with others who understand what it’s like to live with KRAS+ lung cancer. The next KRAS Virtual Meetup is happening on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 12 pm ET. Register for this virtual meetup to get a confirmation email with details about how to join the virtual meeting. Can’t make it? Don’t worry, there’s a full list of virtual meetups to fit your schedule.
Have You Seen?
Breakthroughs in Lung Cancer Research at ASCO 2024
Thousands gathered at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting to discuss groundbreaking lung cancer research. This year's theme, "The Art and Science of Cancer Care: From Comfort to Cure," emphasized both creativity and scientific advancements in treatment. Highlights included new treatment options for SCLC, big wins for biomarker-driven NSCLC, and promising data on patient quality of life and personalized care. Discover the most impactful studies presented at this year's conference.
New Insights on Young Adults with Lung Cancer: An Interview with Dr. Florez
Young adults under 50 are being diagnosed with lung cancer at increasing rates, often facing unique challenges. Narjust Florez, MD, recipient of LUNGevity’s 2022 Health Equity and Inclusiveness Junior Investigator Award, is leading research to address these needs. Her study, presented at ASCO, highlights the impact of lung cancer on these young patients' mental, social, and financial health. Learn more about this groundbreaking work and Dr. Florez' 360-degree approach to caring for patients.
Safely Bring Yoga, Dietary Supplements, Yoga, and More into Your Lung Cancer Journey
Integrative oncology adds holistic approaches—such as acupuncture, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness—into a treatment plan. Research shows these interventions can have a tremendous impact on people going through lung cancer treatment and their quality of life. Unfortunately, they are also topics riddled with myths and falsehoods. LUNGevity spoke to an expert to help sort out facts from fiction. In this recent webinar, Gabriel Lopez, MD, medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center, explained how integrative medicine can be safely used by people managing a lung cancer diagnosis.
Advice and Insights from Author and Two-Time Cancer Survivor Kathy Giusti
Kathy Giusti joined LUNGevity for a special conversation about her life as a cancer patient, caregiver, and the founder and former CEO of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Her involvement with the medical system from these different perspectives inspired her to write her recent book, Fatal to Fearless: 12 Steps to Beating Cancer in a Broken Medical System.
Watch the full 40-minute conversation with Kathy and learn more about the topics and advice discussed.
…and there is always so much more to explore on the KRAS 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.
