Dr Salgia on Clinical Gaps in the Development of Novel Targets in Lung Cancer

Ravi Salgia, MD, PhD, medical oncologist, Arthur & Rosalie Kaplan Chair, medical oncology, City of Hope, discusses clinical gaps in the development of novel targets in lung cancer that were discussed at the 2023 Bridging the Gaps in Lung Cancer meeting, as well as potential strategies or steps to address these gaps in clinical practice.

When discussing gaps in care within the lung cancer space, it is important to identify those gaps that may be associated with the development and subsequent utilization of novel targeted therapeutics, Salgia begins. 

With the continuous shift that targeted agents have caused in the treatment of lung cancer patients, , there is now asignificant need to improve navigation of these treatment options and better identify patients who would benefit from these specific therapies, Salgia says. Moreover, any toxicities associated with these regimens should be known and considered during treatment selection, Salgia adds. This underscores the importance of tailoring treatments to maximize benefit and minimize harm, he explains.

Beyond the benefit that a personalized approach provides to treatment selection, there is now a focus on exploring the potential advantages of combining targeted therapies with other treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, Salgia continues. This raises questions concerning the viability of extending these therapies to patients with early-stage disease and ensuring their effectiveness in diverse patient populations, he states.

Reducing the toxicity of treatments is one method by which to potentially address gaps in the treatment of patients with lung cancer, Salgia says. This could be accomplished by conducting more trials and involving a broader range of patients in research endeavors, he expands. This may yield greater insights into the development of novel therapies that are both effective and well-tolerated, Salgia explains.

Lastly, the economic burden placed on patients due to the high cost of cancer treatments is another pressing issue, Salgia notes. Collaborative efforts among institutions to lower the cost of these agents are crucial for reducing financial toxicities, thereby ensuring that patients receive optimal care without suffering undue financial strain, Salgia states.

Although these are general solutions, they are essential to improving outcomes in clinical practice, Salgia concludes. The pursuit of less toxic treatments, personalized drug selection, and cost-effective strategies will not only benefit patients but may also advance the treatment paradigm in lung cancer.