World Conference on Lung Cancer Tuesday Press Conference: Evidence to Support Innovative Lung Cancer Interventions

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Oct. 17, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today's press conference at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 18^th World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) featured groundbreaking findings in the study of both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. The studies presented covered broad research areas, from confirmation of existing classification criteria to ensuring viability of evidence to supporting the use of specific interventions.

Biopsy specimen found to be reliable for evaluating DLL3 expression in small cell lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) biopsy specimen was found to be reliable material for evaluating DLL3 expression; high levels of DLL3 in SCLC are correlated with poor survival trends. These results may lead to further evaluation of the scoring system for predicting DLL3-targeted therapeutic efficacy and clinical significance of DLL3 expression in high-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas. Dr. Li-Xu Yan of Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences in China presented her findings in today's press conference. Read the full press release here.

Treatment based on BRCA1 expression levels does not increase survival rate of stage II and III non-small cell lung cancer N+ resected patients
Dr. Bartomeu Massuti of Alicante University Hospital in Spain on behalf the Spanish Lung Cancer Cooperative Group (GECP-SCLG) shared new research that shows that treating stage II and III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) N+ resected patients with customized chemotherapy (CT) treatment based on their specific BRCA1 expression levels, as opposed to providing the standard treatment, did not increase overall survival rates among those patients who received individualized CT treatment. However, BRCA1 expression levels could be prognostic and treatment could achieve different outcomes. Find the full press release here.

Researchers confirm IASLC proposed characterization of uncertain R status R(un), with prognosis between R0 and R1
The findings of a recent study, presented by Dr. John Edwards of the University of Sheffield in the UK, confirm proposed criteria from the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) for uncertain resection margin status, R(un), in residual tumor (R) classification. The researchers undertook this study to analyze R status criteria using data collected from the IASLC Lung Cancer Staging Project. The full press release is available here.

PACIFIC study shows quality of life is maintained in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation
The use of the immunotherapy drug durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation in locally advanced, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients was shown to improve progression-free survival (PFS) while upholding quality of life measures, according to new research from Dr. Rina Hui of the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital in Australia. The results of the study showed that patients treated with durvalumab did not experience worsening of symptoms, function or health-related quality of life, which was similar to patients who received placebo. The full press release can be found here.

Livestreams of the daily press conferences are available here.

About the WCLC
The World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) is the world's largest meeting dedicated to lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, attracting over 6,000 researchers, physicians and specialists from more than 100 countries. The goal is to disseminate the latest scientific achievements; increase awareness, collaboration and understanding of lung cancer; and to help participants implement the latest developments across the globe. Organized under the theme of "Synergy to Conquer Lung Cancer," the conference will cover a wide range of disciplines and unveil several research studies and clinical trial results. For more information, visit wclc2017.iaslc.org.

About the IASLC
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Founded in 1974, the association's membership includes more than 6,500 lung cancer specialists across all disciplines in over 100 countries, forming a global network working together to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide. The association also publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the primary educational and informational publication for topics relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of all thoracic malignancies. Visit www.iaslc.org for more information.

Contacts:
Hillary Wasserman
Senior Associate
HWasserman@GroupGordon.com  
+1 732-778-1896

Becky Bunn, MSc
Public Relations Manager
Becky.Bunn@IASLC.org  
+1 720-254-9509