Yonsei Cancer Hospital expands heavy ion therapy to stage 4 lung cancer

Yonsei Cancer Hospital has announced the expansion of heavy ion therapy applications from early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to include stage 4 lung cancer patients with oligometastasis (limited metastatic lesions).

Recent clinical research indicates that combining systemic treatments, such as targeted therapies, with local treatments like radiation can significantly extend survival for patients with EGFR gene mutations. A multi-center phase 2 study conducted by Yonsei Cancer Hospital demonstrated that combining the third-generation targeted therapy 'Leclaza' (developed by Yuhan Corporation) with stereotactic body radiotherapy resulted in a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 34 months, without causing severe grade 3 or higher radiation pneumonitis.

Heavy ion therapy offers a significant advantage for elderly patients or those with compromised lung function, such as those with interstitial lung disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The technology allows for high-energy concentration on cancer cells while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, including the lungs, heart, and esophagus.