New drug gives hope to patients with lung cancer

Lung cancer takes more lives in Western Australia each year than breast and prostate cancer combined. It’s a tough disease to treat, especially when surgery is no longer an option.

This World Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Institute for Respiratory Health is leading the way with a new clinical trial, which is now recruiting participants across the state.

The trial is testing a new drug that’s injected straight into lung tumours or nearby lymph nodes to see if it can help radiation and other treatments like chemo and immunotherapy work better.

Dr Dhaval Thakkar from the Institute for Respiratory Health, who is leading the study, said the trial is focused on people with advanced lung cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.

“We’re looking at whether injecting this drug straight into the tumour makes the standard treatment more effective,” Dr Thakkar said.

“For people with advanced lung cancer, improving how well they respond to treatment could make a real difference.”

Five-year survival rates for stage three lung cancers range from 15–35 per cent. Dr Thakkar said the hope is that this new medication will trigger a stronger treatment response – killing more, or all, of the cancer cells – and prevent the disease from progressing or returning.

“Right now, the study is evaluating feasibility, efficacy and safety. If successful, it could change how we treat advanced lung cancer in the future,” he said.

The clinical trial is open to people who:

• Are aged 18 or older
• Have stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer that can’t be treated with surgery
• Are suitable for chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy
• Have a tumour or lymph node that can be injected.

Dr Thakkar said lung cancer is often found too late and urged people at higher risk to undergo lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan if they:

• Are aged between 50–70 years
• Are actively smoking or have quit in the last 10 years
• Have a history of smoking at least 30 pack years.

“This study gives us a chance to explore a new approach to treatment. We hope it leads to better outcomes and more time with loved ones,” he said.

During World Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Institute is encouraging eligible patients and healthcare providers to learn more about the clinical trial and what it could mean for people facing this devastating disease.

To find out if you’re eligible or to refer a patient, email – clinicaltrials@resphealth.uwa.edu.au or call 0419 011 766 or (08) 6151 0888.

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Andrea Jones
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