Three New Lung Cancer Treatments Show Promise
Three New Lung Cancer Treatments in 2025 Showing Promise at ASCO
At the 2025 ASCO cancer meeting, researchers shared encouraging updates on new treatments for both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. One study showed that tarlatamab, a new type of targeted immunotherapy, helped patients with recurrent small cell lung cancer live longer with fewer side effects than standard chemotherapy — even in cases where the cancer had spread to the brain. This is an especially hopeful sign for a disease with very few second-line treatment options.
Another study focused on a pill called zipalertinib, developed for patients with an uncommon EGFR mutation (exon 20 insertion). Many of these patients had already tried chemotherapy or other targeted treatments with limited success. In the trial, zipalertinib shrank tumors in about one-third of patients, including those whose cancer had progressed or reached the brain. A third trial found that giving the targeted drug osimertinib before surgery helped shrink tumors in EGFR-positive lung cancer, and may reduce the chances of the cancer coming back.
These advances show how targeted therapies are becoming more personalized and effective — even for hard-to-treat lung cancers. For many patients, they represent not just longer life, but better quality of life. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Vitamin C Boosts Cancer Survival
IV Vitamin C Shows Promise in Advanced Cancer Clinical Trial
A new study offers hope for patients facing some of the toughest cancer diagnoses. In a phase 2 clinical trial, adding high-dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C to standard chemotherapy nearly doubled survival for people with advanced pancreatic cancer—from 8 months to 16 months. Patients also reported feeling better during treatment, with fewer side effects and improved ability to tolerate therapy. This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that high-dose IV vitamin C could help improve both survival and quality of life for people with aggressive cancers.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have spent nearly 20 years studying the effects of vitamin C delivered by IV rather than by mouth, where it can reach levels high enough to damage cancer cells while leaving healthy cells mostly unharmed. Encouraging results have also been seen in brain cancer and are being studied in lung cancer. Experts say that because vitamin C is low-cost and well tolerated, it could become a helpful add-on to treatment—not just for pancreatic cancer, but for other difficult-to-treat cancers as well. (Source: University of Iowa Health Care / Redox Biology)
The Truth About Sugar and Cancer
What Cancer Patients Should Know About Diet
Learn why sugar doesn’t directly “feed” cancer, which foods support health during treatment, and how to maintain a balanced diet.
Sugar often causes confusion and anxiety for people concerned about cancer, with many myths claiming sugar “feeds” cancer cells. Experts clarify that while high sugar intake can lead to obesity—a known risk factor for certain cancers—sugar itself doesn’t directly cause cancer. Cancer develops when cells grow uncontrollably due to factors like genetics, tobacco, alcohol, radiation, or even chance.
A common misconception is that the natural sugar (fructose) in fruits should be avoided. In fact, eating fresh fruits and vegetables in practical amounts as part of a balanced diet actually supports overall health and can reduce cancer risk.
If you’re diagnosed with cancer, completely eliminating sugar won’t help cure or slow your disease. Restrictive diets may even weaken your body when strength is essential. Instead, experts recommend a balanced, Mediterranean-style diet and suggest working with a registered dietitian to tailor your nutritional plan, manage treatment side effects, and keep your body strong throughout your cancer journey. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
Read the complete article here >
Breaking the Stigma Around Lung Cancer
Breaking Misconceptions and Supporting Patient
Many people with lung cancer face stigma and blame, even from loved ones and healthcare providers. Learn why lung cancer is no one’s fault.
More than half of people with lung cancer report feeling judged or blamed by friends, family, and even healthcare providers. Because lung cancer has long been linked to smoking, many assume it’s the patient’s fault. But the reality is different: anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer, including those who have never smoked or who quit years ago.
Stigma doesn’t just hurt feelings—it can actually keep people from getting screened or treated promptly, harming their health. Experts emphasize that lung cancer is no one’s fault; nicotine addiction is difficult to overcome, and no patient deserves blame. Recognizing and reducing lung cancer stigma helps ensure all patients receive the compassion and medical support they deserve. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering)
9 Common Questions About Genetic Testing for Cancer
How Knowing Your Risk Can Guide Treatment
For patients facing stage 4 lung cancer or those with a strong family history of cancer, genetic testing can offer clarity, guidance, and hope. About 10% of cancers are hereditary, meaning they are driven by inherited gene mutations that can be passed through families. Testing for these mutations, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and others linked to lung or related cancers, helps doctors understand a patient’s personal cancer risk and may also guide treatment choices—especially for targeted therapies.
Importantly, having a gene mutation doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get cancer, but it does raise your risk. If you already have cancer, genetic testing can sometimes influence treatment decisions, like choosing one type of chemotherapy or surgery over another. For those with a family history, testing can alert relatives to start earlier cancer screenings or preventive measures. Bringing a detailed family history to your genetic counseling appointment can be a valuable first step.
Knowing your genetic risk empowers you to take proactive steps—whether that’s enrolling in clinical trials, pursuing early screening, or helping your children understand their potential risks. While we can’t change our genes, we can change how we respond to what they tell us. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
MMRd Cancers Respond to Immunotherapy
Clinical Trial Shows Surgery-Free Treatment Success
A new immunotherapy-only approach is offering real hope to people with early-stage cancers that have a specific genetic mutation called mismatch repair-deficiency (MMRd). In a large clinical trial, nearly 80% of patients with rectal, colon, stomach, esophageal, and other MMRd cancers were successfully treated using immunotherapy alone — with no need for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. For rectal cancer patients, the response rate was 100%. This treatment uses a type of immunotherapy called a checkpoint inhibitor, which helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. It’s a major shift in care, especially for cancers that typically require organ removal or harsh treatments.
Why does this matter? For many patients, standard treatments like surgery and radiation can lead to permanent changes in bowel, urinary, or sexual function — or even infertility. This new strategy preserves quality of life and may especially help those with Lynch syndrome, a condition that increases cancer risk but often responds poorly to chemotherapy. Importantly, the FDA has granted breakthrough status to the immunotherapy drug used, Jemperli (dostarlimab), based on these promising results. As research continues, doctors hope to extend this approach to more cancer types, beyond those with MMRd. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Why Ancestry Impacts Cancer Treatments
Variant of Unknown Significance: What It Means for Your Treatment
Genetic testing is a key part of modern cancer care. It can reveal mutations in your tumor that help doctors choose targeted treatments. But sometimes the results show a “variant of unknown significance,” or VUS. This means there’s a change in your DNA that researchers don’t fully understand yet, so doctors can’t say for sure whether a treatment would work.
This happens more often in people with African, Asian, Hispanic, or Indigenous ancestry—not because of biology, but because most genetic databases have historically focused on people of European descent. If your background is underrepresented in these databases, it’s more likely your test result will be unclear.
Doctors are working to better understand these unknown mutations by expanding research and improving how genetic data is interpreted. Over time, more variants will be decoded—and what’s uncertain today may lead to new treatment options tomorrow.
For now, if your test includes a VUS result, don’t be discouraged. It’s still valuable information, and you can ask your care team whether additional testing, clinical trials, or updated interpretations could help guide your treatment path. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Stage4Hope Launches to Transform Advanced-Stage Cancer Care
Stage4Hope Launches to Support Patients with Cancer
Stage4Hope™, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by stage IV lung cancer patient Stacy L. Carter, launches to accelerate access to expert cancer care, provide emotional and financial support, and advance precision oncology research.
We are pleased to announce the official launch of Stage4HopeTM, a 501(c)(3) public charity! We have a powerful mission: to improve the lives of individuals diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer by accelerating access to world-class cancer care, providing financial and emotional support, and investing in cutting-edge research in precision oncology.
Founded by Stacy L. Carter—a mother, entrepreneur, and non-smoker diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 2023—Stage4Hope was born out of her own journey and the urgent need to bring hope, clarity, and purpose to others facing similar diagnoses.
“I started Stage4Hope because I know what it’s like to hear the words ‘stage IV’ and to have my whole world fall apart,” says Stacy. “What carried me forward was finding purpose in the midst of the pain. Now, we’re building a place where patients can access expert care quickly, find emotional healing, and rediscover hope and purpose—even in the middle of the storm.”
Top Questions to Ask After a Lung Cancer Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, knowing what questions to ask can make a major difference in your treatment journey. Dr. Mark Awad, a leading lung cancer expert at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), emphasizes the importance of understanding your specific type and stage of lung cancer — whether it’s small cell or non-small cell — and making sure all the necessary scans have been done to determine where the cancer is in the body. It’s also vital to ask about comprehensive genomic and biomarker testing, which can uncover genetic mutations and guide your doctors to the most effective, personalized treatment options, including immunotherapy or targeted drugs.
Dr. Awad also stresses the value of being treated by a dedicated lung cancer team with extensive experience, and encourages patients to seek a second opinion to ensure the best care. While starting treatment quickly may feel urgent, gathering complete information first often leads to better long-term outcomes. Many treatment centers, including MSK, offer care options closer to home and provide support services to help manage side effects, improve quality of life, and support emotional and practical needs. Most importantly, communicate openly with your care team about your goals and what’s most meaningful to you — so your treatment can support your whole life, not just your diagnosis. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
Hope for KRAS-G12D Lung Cancer
KRAS-G12D Lung Cancer Clinical Trial Shows Promising Results
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center researchers have reported promising results from a first-of-its-kind clinical trial targeting the KRAS-G12D mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The experimental drug zoldonrasib (RMC-9805) demonstrated significant tumor shrinkage in 61% of participants who had previously not responded to standard treatments. These findings offer hope for patients with this challenging mutation subtype.
Addressing ‘Brain Fog’ After CAR T-Cell Therapy
Brain Fog After CAR T-Cell Therapy: What New Research Shows
Some people who receive CAR T-cell therapy describe a frustrating mental “fogginess” afterward—forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or feeling slower to think through tasks. For cancer survivors who have fought hard to get to the other side of treatment, these cognitive changes can be discouraging, even when the cancer response is excellent.
New research from Stanford Medicine helps explain why this can happen and points toward possible treatment strategies being explored.1
Read the research report published by Stanford Medicine>
Read publication in Cell from May 12, 2025>
What is CAR T-cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that uses a patient’s own T cells (a kind of immune cell). Doctors collect T cells, “reprogram” them to recognize specific targets on cancer cells, and then infuse them back into the body so they can seek out and destroy cancer.2
CAR T-cell therapy was first approved in 2017 for certain leukemias and is now used for several blood cancers (and is being tested in clinical trials for additional cancers).3
What does “brain fog” mean in this context?
“Brain fog” isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, but it’s a common way patients describe symptoms such as:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slower thinking or processing speed
- Short-term memory lapses
- Trouble multitasking
- Feeling mentally “tired” even after rest
In the Stanford-led work, the cognitive effects observed were described as typically mild—not the kind of decline associated with dementia—but still meaningful because they impact day-to-day quality of life and may not always resolve quickly on their own.4
What the new research found
1) CAR T-cell therapy alone may contribute to cognitive symptoms
One of the key questions researchers asked was whether cognitive changes could happen even when you set aside other potential contributors (like chemotherapy, radiation, or the cancer itself).
In mouse models, CAR T-cell therapy was associated with measurable changes in cognitive performance (including attention and short-term memory), even when cancers were located outside the brain.5
2) A common pathway may link “chemo brain,” illness-related brain fog, and CAR T-related brain fog
The researchers reported that the underlying biology they observed resembles mechanisms seen in other brain fog settings—such as after chemotherapy and after some respiratory infections (like flu and COVID-19).6
3) Microglia (brain immune cells) appear to play a central role
The brain has its own immune “first responders,” called microglia. In the study, microglia appeared to shift into a reactive, inflammatory state after CAR T-cell therapy, producing immune signaling molecules (cytokines and chemokines).7
A helpful way to visualize the proposed chain reaction:
- Immune activation → microglia become “revved up”
- Microglia release inflammatory signals
- Those signals disrupt cells that support healthy nerve signaling
This is the same idea referenced in the image caption used with the Stanford report: in therapy- or illness-induced brain fog, microglia can produce inflammatory chemicals that reduce oligodendroglial cells and their myelin.8
4) Oligodendrocytes and myelin may be affected
Oligodendrocytes are cells that make myelin, a fatty insulating layer around nerve fibers that helps signals travel efficiently through the brain.
In the study, inflammatory changes were associated with disruption of oligodendroglial health and myelin-related processes—changes that can plausibly contribute to feeling mentally slower or less sharp.9
The paper also described broader nervous-system impacts in mice, including signs of a persistent CNS immune response and disruptions involving hippocampal neurogenesis (a process connected with learning and memory).10
What about evidence in humans?
This is an important point: much of the experimental work was done in mice, but the researchers also examined human brain tissue from participants in a CAR T clinical trial for brainstem tumors. Those analyses supported the idea that microglia and oligodendrocytes can show reactive/dysregulated states after CAR T therapy.11
Can CAR T-related brain fog be treated?
Researchers are not saying there is an approved, standard medication today specifically for CAR T-related cognitive symptoms—but the study is encouraging because it tested strategies that reversed cognitive effects in mice:
- Temporary microglial depletion (in mice, a short period depleted microglia; when they returned, they came back in a more normal, non-reactive state and cognitive performance improved).12
- Blocking a chemokine receptor pathway (CCR3), which improved cognitive performance and rescued oligodendroglial deficits in the mouse model.13
The Stanford report also notes that the team identified compounds similar to existing medications or those in clinical development, raising hope that treatments could be translated more quickly than if development had to start from scratch.14
What this means for patients and caregivers right now
If you or a loved one notices brain fog after CAR T therapy, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. This area is getting increased research attention because survivorship and quality of life matter.
Here are practical next steps that may help (and are reasonable to discuss with your care team):
1) Tell your oncology team what you’re experiencing
Be specific about:
- When symptoms started
- Whether they’re improving, stable, or worsening
- How they’re affecting work, driving, medication management, or daily tasks
2) Ask about screening and supportive care
Depending on your situation, your team may suggest:
- Neurocognitive screening or referral to neuropsychology
- Occupational therapy strategies for memory and organization
- Cognitive rehab programs (often used in chemo-related cognitive impairment)
3) Check for other treatable contributors
Brain fog can be worsened by factors that are sometimes addressable, such as:
- Sleep disruption
- Anxiety/depression
- Anemia, thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies
- Medication side effects
- Ongoing inflammation or infection recovery
4) Know when to seek urgent care
Seek urgent medical attention if there is sudden or severe confusion, new weakness, slurred speech, severe headache, seizures, or rapidly worsening symptoms—especially in the setting of recent cancer therapy.
Questions you can bring to your next appointment
- “Is brain fog something you see after CAR T therapy in your patients?”
- “What symptoms would you want me to report right away?”
- “Can you refer me for cognitive screening or supportive therapy?”
- “Are there clinical trials studying cognitive effects after CAR T therapy?”
- “Could any of my current medications be contributing to these symptoms?”
Stay connected
At Stage4Hope, we share research updates like this because informed patients and caregivers are empowered patients and caregivers. If you’re navigating late-stage cancer treatment or survivorship challenges, we invite you to explore more resources and join our community for continued support.
References:
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14: Stanford Medicine
- 8: EurekAlert
- 10, 13: PubMed
Embracing the Emotions: Grief and Healing After a Hard Diagnosis
Grieving is a deeply personal process, and while not everyone experiences it the same way, the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—can provide a framework for understanding the emotions that come with a late-stage cancer diagnosis. These stages aren’t linear; you may move between them or experience them in waves.
- Denial: Denial often serves as a buffer, helping you cope with the initial shock of the diagnosis.
- “You might find yourself thinking, ‘This can’t be happening to me,’ or feeling numb as your mind works to protect you from the overwhelming reality. Denial is a natural way of giving yourself time to absorb life-changing news.”
- Anger: Anger emerges as the reality of the situation sets in, often fueled by feelings of unfairness or loss.
- “You may feel angry at your body, the medical system, or even those around you who don’t fully understand your pain. This anger is a valid expression of your frustration and can be a way of processing the loss of control.”
- Bargaining: Bargaining reflects the deep desire to regain control and find hope amid uncertainty.
- “You might think, ‘If I try harder, or do everything right, maybe things will improve.’ Bargaining can be a way of searching for solutions, even in situations that feel beyond your control.”
- Depression: Depression often arises as you begin to confront the full weight of the diagnosis and its implications.
- “Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or isolation can feel overwhelming as you mourn the life you once imagined. This stage is not a sign of giving up but a step in processing the depth of your emotions.”
- Acceptance: Acceptance doesn’t mean you’re okay with what’s happened—it means finding a way to move forward.
- “Acceptance allows you to focus on what truly matters, whether it’s cherishing meaningful moments or making decisions that align with your values. It’s about adapting to your new reality, not surrendering to it.”
Understanding these stages can help you make sense of your emotions and remind you that everything you’re feeling is valid. Allow yourself grace, take things one day at a time, and know that navigating grief is part of learning to live fully, even in the face of challenges.
“Symptoms of Grief”
Grief touches every part of your being—mind, body, and spirit. After a late-stage cancer diagnosis, it’s common to experience a range of symptoms that reflect the profound emotional and physical impact of this life-changing event. Recognizing these symptoms can help you understand that what you’re feeling is a natural response to loss.
Physical Symptoms
Grief often manifests in your body, leaving you feeling drained or unwell. Common physical symptoms include:
- Fatigue or a sense of exhaustion
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping
- Changes in appetite, including overeating or loss of appetite
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Digestive issues, nausea, or stomach pain
- Headaches or muscle tension
- Shortness of breath or feeling physically heavy
Emotional Symptoms
The emotional weight of grief can feel overwhelming, with waves of feelings that may come and go. You might experience:
- Deep sadness or feelings of despair
- Anger, frustration, or irritability
- Anxiety, fear, or a sense of panic about the future
- Guilt or regret, especially about things you feel you can’t change
- Isolation, loneliness, or emotional detachment
- A feeling of being lost or “in a fog”
Cognitive Symptoms
Grief can also affect your thoughts and focus, making everyday tasks feel challenging. These symptoms might include:
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering details
- Intrusive thoughts about your diagnosis or what the future holds
- Questioning the fairness or meaning of life
- A sense of confusion or being mentally overwhelmed
Behavioral Symptoms
Grief can change the way you interact with the world, leading to shifts in behavior such as:
- Withdrawing from social interactions or avoiding loved ones
- Avoiding reminders of the diagnosis
- Increased reliance on substances or comfort habits
- Crying more frequently or unexpectedly
- Difficulty completing daily tasks or routines
Spiritual Symptoms
Grief can challenge your beliefs or provide opportunities for reflection. You may find yourself:
- Questioning your faith or spiritual beliefs
- Searching for meaning in your diagnosis
- Feeling disconnected from a higher power or spiritual practices
- Seeking moments of clarity or spiritual growth
Grief is not a straightforward process, and these symptoms may appear or fade over time. It’s important to be gentle with yourself, allow space for your emotions, and reach out for support when you need it. You are not alone, and understanding these symptoms can be the first step toward finding balance amidst the storm.
The Immune System and Cancer Vaccines
One way our immune system protects us is by ridding our bodies of altered cells that could lead to cancer. But exactly how and when does our immune system sense cancer? How do tumors evolve to avoid being detected? And how can a better understanding of this process help develop better cancer treatments?
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) computational biologist Benjamin Greenbaum, PhD, is looking for answers to these important questions. He is the co-director of Neoantigen Discovery for The Olayan Center for Cancer Vaccines at MSK, a hub for cancer vaccine discovery and innovation. The center’s computational efforts, which have also received funding from The Tow Foundation and are led by Dr. Greenbaum, are essential to designing effective cancer vaccines.
Inspiring Journey: Living Strong with Stage 4 Lung Cancer
It was a hot, humid night in 2010 when Giancarlo Oviedo-Mori and his parents sat in a Bronx hospital and received the shock of their lives. They learned that he had advanced non-small cell lung cancer. He was only 18 years old and had big dreams. “Every South American kid wants to be a professional soccer player. I wanted to be the next Messi,” remembers Giancarlo, who immigrated to the United States with his family from Peru when he was 8 years old.
“I had never seen my parents cry like that before. It really broke me,” says Giancarlo, who has no family history of cancer and never smoked. “There was no logical reason why I got lung cancer, but I didn’t question it. I just trusted God and had this peace that everything was going to be OK.”
Fifteen years later, Giancarlo is now married and has a 2-year-old son as he continues to live with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. Over the years, the cancer has remained persistent, but each time one treatment stopped working, there has been a new drug to try, thanks to clinical trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) where he is now being treated.
News: Explore Our Website
We are proud to launch our new website—Stage4hope.org—an informative space created to support individuals living with advanced-stage cancer.
Stage4Hope is accelerating your path to world-class cancer care by removing barriers, offering connection, and walking alongside you with dignity and support.
From no-cost retreats and informative resources to financial assistance and clinical trial guidance, our site provides tools that help patients and families navigate this journey with greater clarity and care.
At the heart of everything we do is a belief worth repeating:
“Our vision is to show those living with advanced-stage cancer that life doesn’t end with a diagnosis. There is still hope. There is still purpose. And there is still a life worth living.”
We invite you to explore the new website, share it with others, and return often as we grow our services and community.
The Latest Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment
In the article “The Latest Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment,” Abe Rosenberg highlights groundbreaking developments at City of Hope that are transforming the prognosis for lung cancer patients. Dr. Ravi Salgia, a leading oncologist at the institution, emphasizes a shift towards curative approaches even for advanced stages of the disease. The piece delves into innovative treatments such as targeted therapies that hone in on specific genetic mutations, immunotherapies that empower the immune system to combat cancer cells, and refined chemotherapy techniques that minimize harm to healthy tissue. These advancements collectively signify a new era in lung cancer care, offering renewed hope to patients and clinicians alike.
