Tarlatamab

Tarlatamab, Amgen's bispecific antibody for small cell lung cancer, gains attention in Korea with 93 therapeutic uses since May 2023. It activates T-cells to attack cancer, approved in the U.S., and under phase 3 study in Korea, offering hope amid limited SCLC treatment options.

In 2024, the FDA approved 50 new drugs, focusing on cancer, with 15 approvals. Small molecules led with 32 approvals, followed by proteins and oligonucleotides. Notable approvals included a schizophrenia treatment and a NASH drug, marking significant advancements in therapeutic areas.

The UK's MHRA approved tarlatamab (Imdyllytra) for treating adult small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients under Project Orbis, facilitating swift cancer treatment approvals. SCLC, accounting for ~1/7 of lung cancers, spreads faster than non-small-cell lung cancer. Amgen Limited received marketing authorization on December 31.

Tarlatamab, an antineoplastic agent for treating small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), approved under Project Orbis, targets patients unresponsive to prior treatments. Administered intravenously, it showed a 40% response rate in trials. MHRA ensures its safety and efficacy, encouraging side effect reporting via the Yellow Card scheme.

2024 saw significant advances in cancer research, including a 100% complete response rate in a dostarlimab trial for rectal cancer, FDA approvals for immunotherapies, and progress in early detection and prevention. Telehealth also showed promise in improving cancer care.

West Virginia University Cancer Institute introduces Imdelltra (tarlatamab), a pioneering targeted therapy for extensive stage small cell lung cancer, aiming to improve outcomes for patients with advanced disease. This marks the first such treatment available in West Virginia, reflecting the institute's commitment to innovative cancer care.

Experts discuss strategies for dynamic clinical pathways, challenges in payer pathways, cost considerations, and the impact of accelerated drug approvals. Organizations like OneOncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Florida Cancer Specialists emphasize participation, consistency, and adaptability in pathway development. Drug shortages and payer lag behind innovation are significant challenges. Effective communication, education, and cost considerations are crucial for pathway success.

2024 saw significant advances in cancer research, including personalized neoantigen vaccines, AI in drug discovery, and first-in-class therapeutics. Progress was also made in early detection, overcoming resistance, and addressing cancer health disparities.

Accelerated FDA approvals bring hope for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) treatments like tarlatamab, though caution is advised due to potential withdrawal risks. The NRG Oncology/Alliance LU005 trial found no survival benefit from adding atezolizumab to standard chemoradiotherapy in LS-SCLC, but twice-daily radiation showed improved survival.

New therapies and immunotherapies have significantly improved lung cancer survival. Sylvester researchers advocate for ensuring all patients benefit from advancements, including targeted therapies for small-cell tumors. Better screening and addressing disparities are crucial for future progress.