Transforming Lung Cancer Through Science
Welcome to Research Advances, LUNGevity’s quarterly e-newsletter, where each issue is designed to bring you clear, easy-to-read updates on the latest research shaping lung cancer care.
In this newsletter, we highlight key findings presented at major scientific conferences, take a closer look at emerging tools in the lab, and share news about a recent FDA approval that expands treatment options for patients with lung cancer.
Recent Conferences
Science Conference Highlights
Research Highlights from the AACR Annual Meeting
The 2026 annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) was held April 17-22 and showcased how quickly lung cancer research is moving by covering a wide range of discussions that spanned new targeted therapies to smarter uses of artificial intelligence.
Explore key topics discussed at the meeting:
- Progress in KRAS G12C and G12D inhibitors
- ROS-1 directed treatment options
- Growing attention for lung cancer in people without tobacco exposure
- AI supported prediction of immunotherapy benefits
- Building new approaches to treat small cell lung cancer
Moments that Moved Us at the Targeted Therapies Conference
This year’s IASLC Targeted Therapies of Lung Cancer conference delivered more than data. The meeting held Feb. 18- 21 also highlighted the people and ideas driving the field forward. From a moving presentation by a world-class lung cancer researcher to new ideas about how strategic tumor categorization can improve patient outcomes, this recap captures powerful moments about where the science is headed next.
More Research Updates are Coming
Stay tuned for LUNGevity’s upcoming coverage of the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to keep on top of the latest innovations shaping lung cancer care. Follow along on X for live coverage of the meeting @LUNGevity #ASCO26 from May 29 – June 2. And be on the look-out for LUNGevity’s post-conference wrap-up.
Featured Research
Fewer Locations, Bigger Barriers: What’s Happening to Clinical Trial Access
Important research from LUNGevity recently sounded an alarm over the shrinking numbers of sites hosting clinical trials.
The data showed early-phase NSCLC trials are more concentrated in large academic centers, despite the FDA encouraging trials to expand to diverse locations. This high concentration of trials at fewer locations can make it harder for patients to participate due to travel, time, or cost barriers.
Learn more about these findings and what LUNGevity is doing to address this issue.
Science Spotlight
The Latest in Lung Cancer
Researchers Mimic Real Lungs in the Lab
Tiny 3D models called organoids, sometimes described as “mini-organs,” are being used to study the lung cancer ecosystem to better reflect how tumors behave in the body. These models can help scientists explore tumor biology, test drugs, and ask more realistic research questions. Learn how this innovative tool is opening the door to a deeper understanding of lung cancer biology.
AI in Lung Cancer: Hope vs. Hype
Artificial intelligence is generating excitement across many fields, but how can it truly help in lung cancer care today? We spoke to an expert to explore both sides of the conversation, including how AI may improve early detection, support treatment decisions, and help match patients to clinical trials, while also reinforcing the importance of careful testing and responsible oversight. Learn more.
Drug News
Recent FDA Approvals
LUNGevity celebrates this recent treatment approval for lung cancer that builds on research from basic scientists and translational researchers to improve outcomes for people living with this disease.
On February 26, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the accelerated approval of zongertinib as an initial treatment for newly diagnosed patients with advanced HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer.
Support Lifesaving Research
Fuel the Next Breakthroughs in Lung Cancer
We have seen incredible progress in lung cancer research over the past 20 years and new breakthroughs are poised on the horizon. But uncertainty in funding for lung cancer research could delay the next major research milestone. Your support is more important than ever to maintain the momentum in developing better ways to detect and treat lung cancer.
Donate today to help keep lifesaving lung cancer research moving forward.
