Revolutionary Treatment Shows Long-term Survival in Lung Cancer Patients

In a groundbreaking study revealed at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer, researchers have uncovered remarkable long-term survival rates among advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients through a novel viral immunotherapy, CAN-2409. This innovative approach targets individuals who have struggled to respond to traditional immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and offers a newfound glimmer of hope.

The Study Design: A Closer Look

The Phase IIa clinical trial, sponsored by Candel Therapeutics, evaluated the effects of two intratumoral injections of CAN-2409 combined with an oral prodrug (valacyclovir) on patients with unresectable stage III/IV NSCLC. Participants were grouped based on their disease status at the outset: stable disease despite ICI treatment or progressive disease.

Survival Rates that Inspire Hope

From the 76 patients enrolled, 46 were included in the analysis at a median follow-up of 32.4 months. Remarkably, the median overall survival (OS) reached 24.5 months, with an impressive 37% of patients remaining alive over two years post-treatment. Those with progressive disease at baseline fared slightly lower, with a median OS of 21.5 months.

Key Findings: Non-Squamous Patients Thrive More

A surprising revelation emerged: patients with non-squamous histology experienced longer survival rates—25.4 months—compared to just 13.3 months for those with squamous histology. This difference was linked to a notable increase in cytotoxic effector T cells, suggesting enhanced immune responses following treatment.

Impressive Systemic Impact

The trial showcased a substantial systemic immune activation, with 69% of patients exhibiting abscopal responses, indicating a potent anti-tumor effect triggered by localized treatment—a promising sign of CAN-2409's potential.

A Call for Further Research

Dr. Charu Aggarwal from the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania emphasized, "These findings confirm the lasting survival benefits of CAN-2409, particularly for patients with scarce treatment options following ICI therapy. We strongly advocate for advancing CAN-2409 into larger randomized controlled trials, focusing on the non-squamous population."

Safety Profile Remains Positive

Throughout the study's extended follow-up, Dr. Aggarwal highlighted that CAN-2409 maintained a favorable safety and tolerability profile, making it an even more attractive option for lung cancer patients.

With these compelling results, the potential impact of CAN-2409 on the future of lung cancer treatment is undeniable. The fight against NSCLC is far from over, but with innovations like this, there’s newfound hope on the horizon.