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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
07:59

Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: September 8, 2023

Current and emerging therapies targeting cell surface antigens and epigenetics in extensive stage small cell lung

Zhonglin Hao1, John Villano2, Susanne M Arnold2

  • 1Division of Medical Oncology, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.

Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology
|June 29, 2026
PubMed

Insights

New therapies targeting DLL3, such as tarlatamab, show promise for extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Combinations of chemotherapy with novel antibodies are improving treatment outcomes for this challenging cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Drug Development

Background:

  • Extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) has a poor prognosis, driving research into novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting cell surface molecules represents a promising avenue beyond traditional immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the treatment of ES-SCLC, focusing on novel targeted therapies and combinations.
  • To highlight emerging targets and treatment modalities showing potential in clinical trials.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent clinical trial data and preclinical research in ES-SCLC.
  • Analysis of novel therapeutic agents including antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and epigenetic modulators.

Main Results:

  • Tarlatamab targeting DLL3 demonstrated unprecedented response rates in previously treated ES-SCLC.
  • Combinations of VEGF/PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies with chemotherapy show enhanced efficacy compared to ICI plus chemotherapy.
  • Early phase trials of B7H3 and SEZ6 antibody-drug conjugates show encouraging results.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting DLL3 and exploring novel antibody combinations are key strategies for improving ES-SCLC outcomes.
  • Epigenetic modulation offers potential for reprogramming cancer cells and overcoming immune evasion.
  • Future research necessitates rational combination therapies to address tumor heterogeneity and prevent relapse, alongside improved response monitoring tools.
Keywords:
ADCBiTECAR-T cellscell surface markersmall cell lung cancer

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