An elderly male diagnosed with Stage IV LUAD achieved sustained stable disease (SD) and symptomatic improvement through a sequential therapeutic strategy, including platinum-based chemotherapy followed by the PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab combined with anti-angiogenic agents (apatinib or anlotinib). This case demonstrates that while ICIs can provide exceptional long-term benefits in advanced NSCLC, particularly in patients with highly immunogenic mutation profiles, they may also trigger late-onset fatal irAEs. Our findings underscore the imperative for close, long-term metabolic surveillance throughout the course of immunotherapy, regardless of treatment duration or radiological stability.

Recent studies indicate that multiple Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases (USP) family members play pivotal roles in lung cancer: Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 7 (USP7) promotes proliferation and osimertinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer by stabilising proteins such as ERβ, c-Abl, and KRAS; Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 9, X-linked (USP9X) mediates radiotherapy resistance by regulating KDM4C and REV1; USP10 influences cellular metabolism and chemotherapy sensitivity via PTEN/AKT/mTOR and HDAC6 pathways; Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 14 (USP14) enhances tumour migration by regulating β-catenin and Acf7 stability; Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 22 (USP22) amplifies tumour stem cell properties and suppresses ferroptosis via EGFR and BMI1 signalling; Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 35 (USP35) and Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 38 (USP38) respectively modulate apoptosis resistance and proliferation through BIRC3 and KLF5; while Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 39 (USP39) influences mitochondrial metabolism via PDHA, thereby promoting tumour growth...It further explores the potential value of small-molecule inhibitors targeting USPs (such as P5091, IU1, and gentiopicroside) in reversing drug resistance, inducing apoptosis, and enhancing immunotherapy...This paper reviews the molecular mechanisms and targeting strategies of USPs in lung cancer based on a systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science databases. It further explores their potential applications in precision lung cancer therapy, providing theoretical foundations and directional guidance for future research.

P1/2, N=170, Recruiting, Ottimo Pharma Limited | Not yet recruiting --> Recruiting

Exploratory analysis revealed that PFS benefits from aumolertinib plus apatinib predominantly in those with TP53 mutations. As an infusion-free option, aumolertinib plus apatinib demonstrated PFS benefits with manageable safety in patients with untreated, EGFR-mutant, advanced NSCLC.

We also explored clinical phosEGFR reduction induced by the 3rd generation TKI osimertinib, suggesting that limited target engagement may explain modest response achieved in EGFR Exon20Ins at the clinically investigated doses. The developed model is a valuable tool to understand the impact of kinetic characteristics on phosEGFR reduction and related efficacy, select a target engagement-based criterion for therapeutic dose predictions, and provide interpretation and insights on observed clinical efficacy of irreversible inhibitors in EGFR Exon20Ins.

The efficacy of TKIs was consistent across SQC forms (including de novo or adenocarcinoma-transformed cases) and EGFR mutation types. The findings indicate that, compared with early-generation TKIs, third-generation TKIs are effective against de novo SQCs and should be considered a plausible treatment option for transformed SQCs.

P2, N=168, Recruiting, Canadian Cancer Trials Group | Trial completion date: Jun 2026 --> Dec 2026 | Trial primary completion date: Dec 2025 --> Jun 2026

P2, N=64, Not yet recruiting, Chinese University of Hong Kong

P2, N=36, Recruiting, Guangzhou Medical University | Not yet recruiting --> Recruiting | Trial completion date: Mar 2026 --> Mar 2027

For classical EGFR mutations such as exon 19 deletion and exon 21 L858R mutation, combination strategies in the first-line setting, based on the results of the MARIPOSA (lazertinib and amivantamab) and FLAURA 2 (platinum-based doublet chemotherapy and osimertinib) trials, provide promising outcomes. Optimising the treatment sequence in advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC is crucial to ensure the best survival outcomes along with the best treatment tolerance and quality of life. Predictive biomarkers are strongly needed as well as biomarker-based escalation and de-escalation clinical trials.

In addition, the levels of p-ERK, NF-κB, and Slug were markedly reduced in vitro. Collectively, these findings support the potential clinical utility of combining apatinib and PD-L1 inhibition, as evidenced by consistent in vitro and in vivo synergy.

P=N/A, N=8, Not yet recruiting, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital (Guangdong Provincial Emergency Hospital); Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital (Guangdong Provin