Breakthrough in Lung Cancer Treatment: Immunotherapy Reduces Recurrence Rates by 34%

Lung cancer, a malignant disease that arises from abnormal changes in alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells, is one of the top three cancers in terms of both incidence and mortality rates. Early diagnosis and treatment can still be challenging for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, as relapse rates remain high even with standard therapy. However, new hope has emerged with the introduction of immunotherapy.

According to a study published in The Lancet, immunotherapy has been found to reduce the risk of disease recurrence or death by 34% in people with non-small cell lung cancer. This information was shared by experts at a scientific seminar titled “Immunotherapy – Lighting up hope of cure in early stage lung cancer treatment” on April 13. The seminar involved 150 leading experts in the field of oncology in Vietnam and abroad, with the goal of exchanging knowledge, experience, and advanced methods in lung cancer treatment.

Professor Dr. Le Van Quang, Director of Hospital K, highlighted the challenge of disease recurrence faced by patients with non-small cell lung cancer despite early diagnosis and treatment. Immunotherapy’s ability to reduce recurrence rates will play a crucial role in multimodality treatment for these patients. Lung cancer ranks among the top three cancers globally and accounts for approximately 30% of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer diagnoses. Standard treatment involves tumor resection surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy; however, even after successful surgery, relapse rates remain high.

The US National Institutes of Health reports that the 5-year overall survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer patients is around 10-15%. Even after undergoing total tumor resection, 30-55% of patients experience recurrence within the first five years following surgery. The approval of immunotherapy after surgery and chemotherapy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients offers new hope to Vietnam’s growing population living with this disease. Mr. Lennor Carrillo, General Director of Roche Pharma Vietnam expressed his excitement about this advancement being introduced to Vietnam’s healthcare system: “I am excited that Vietnam has approved the use of immunotherapy after surgery and chemotherapy for early stage non small cell lung cancer patients.” He anticipates positive outcomes from this advanced therapy being applied in real life treatment settings