The Targeted Pulse: Latest News in Lung Cancer, Myeloma, and More

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Targeted Pulse, our top 5 stories of the week delivered right to you. This week, we saw updates in lung cancer, myeloma, and more. From FDA decisions to expert clinical insights, here are the stories that shaped this week.

Precision Oncology and the New Era of Lung Cancer

Precision oncology in lung cancer is shifting toward comprehensive genomic profiling, emphasizing the distinction between mutations and fusions. Bruna Pellini, MD, highlights that fusions—often seen in younger, nonsmoking, and Hispanic populations—require specific diagnostic identification to guide therapy.

The treatment landscape has expanded with recent FDA approvals for HER2-targeted agents (trastuzumab deruxtecan [T-DXd; Enhertu], zongertinib [Hernexeos], sunvozertinib [Zegfrovy]) and next-generation ROS1 inhibitors like taletrectinib (Ibtrozi), which offer improved central nervous system penetration and reduced neurotoxicity. Furthermore, the CROWN trial’s 5-year data for lorlatinib (Lorbrena) in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) demonstrates unprecedented progression-free survival. Clinicians must advocate for broader screening and molecular testing to overcome historical stigmas and optimize outcomes.

New 2026 ACS Data Show Cancer Survival Rates Hit a Historic 70%

The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics, 2026 report highlights a historic milestone: the 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined has reached 70%, up from 49% in the mid-1970s. This progress is primarily attributed to advancements in immunotherapy, targeted therapies with reduced toxicities, and improved early screening.

Significant gains occurred in high-mortality diseases, with multiple myeloma (MM) survival doubling to 62% and metastatic lung cancer reaching 10%. Despite a 34% decline in overall mortality since 1991, incidence is rising for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, particularly in younger adults. Clinicians must now pivot toward a "chronic disease" management paradigm, prioritizing long-term survivorship and quality-of-life interventions.

FDA Accepts NDA for Iberdomide-Based Regimen in Multiple Myeloma

The FDA has accepted a new drug application for iberdomide (CC-220), a first-in-class oral cereblon E3 ligase modulator (CELMoD), in combination with daratumumab (Darzalex) and dexamethasone (IberDd) for relapsed or refractory MM. Assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act date of August 17, 2026, the application received priority review and breakthrough therapy designation.

The filing is uniquely supported by minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity data from the phase 3 EXCALIBER-RRMM trial. In patients with 1-2 prior lines of therapy, IberDd demonstrated statistically significant improvements in MRD negativity compared to standard-of-care daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone. This reinforces iberdomide’s role as a potent, oral backbone therapy with a manageable safety profile for pretreated populations.

In a First, FDA Approves Monthly Subcutaneous Amivantamab for EGFR+ NSCLC

The FDA has approved a once-monthly maintenance dosing schedule for subcutaneous (SC) amivantamab plus hyaluronidase-lpuj (Rybrevant Faspro) in combination with lazertinib (Lazcluze). This approval applies to first-line treatment for adults with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC harboring EGFR exon 19 deletions or L858R mutations.

The updated label transitions patients from weekly induction (weeks 1-4) to a once-every-4-weeks maintenance regimen starting at week 5. This shift significantly reduces clinic "chair time" and logistical burden compared to the previous biweekly schedule. Clinical data demonstrate that monthly SC administration maintains non-inferior pharmacokinetics and efficacy while significantly reducing infusion-related reactions (13% vs 66% for intravenous) and offering a favorable safety profile.

Subcutaneous Amivantamab Nabs Breakthrough Therapy Designation in HNSCC

The FDA has granted breakthrough therapy designation to amivantamab and hyaluronidase-lpuj for adults with recurrent or metastatic HPV-unrelated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This designation applies to patients who progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-1/L1 inhibition.

Supported by phase 1b/2 OrigAMI-4 data, the bispecific antibody—targeting EGFR and MET—demonstrated a 45% overall response rate and a 76% clinical benefit rate. Responses were rapid (median 6.4 weeks) and durable (median 7.2 months). The SC formulation offers a manageable safety profile with reduced administration-related reactions compared to intravenous delivery, addressing a significant unmet need in this poor-prognosis population.