New lung cancer therapy reduces death risk by 58%

A Phase III clinical study, known as DeLLphi-305, has demonstrated that a new combination therapy significantly improves outcomes for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). The study, presented at the ESMO 2026 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that combining tarlatamab and durvalumab as maintenance therapy after initial chemotherapy and immunotherapy reduces the risk of death by 58%.

Small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 10-15% of all lung cancer cases and is closely linked to smoking. The disease is characterized by rapid growth, early metastasis, and aggressive biological behavior. While patients often show an initial response to chemotherapy, relapse is frequent and the prognosis is typically poor. This new therapeutic approach offers significant prospects for extending survival compared to the standard maintenance treatment using durvalumab alone.