Abstract illustration representing personalized lung cancer treatment

Unlocking Lung Cancer Treatment: New Insights into HER2 and PD-L1

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Exploring cutting-edge research for improved therapies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)."

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority of cases. While advancements in treatment have been made, there's a continuous need for novel therapies and more accurate diagnostic tools to improve patient outcomes.

Two recent studies presented at a major thoracic oncology conference offer promising insights into the treatment of NSCLC. One focuses on a novel drug, DS-8201a, targeting HER2-expressing or -mutated NSCLC. The other examines the effectiveness of different PD-L1 IHC assays, which are crucial for determining a patient's eligibility for immunotherapy.

This article will delve into the findings of these studies, explaining their significance for patients, oncologists, and researchers in the field of lung cancer. We'll explore the potential benefits and limitations of these approaches, offering a clear understanding of how these advancements can contribute to more personalized and effective cancer care.

DS-8201a: A Targeted Therapy Showing Promise for HER2-Mutated NSCLC

Abstract illustration representing personalized lung cancer treatment

A phase 1 clinical trial investigated the safety and efficacy of DS-8201a, a HER2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, in patients with advanced NSCLC whose tumors either overexpressed HER2 or harbored HER2 mutations. This is particularly relevant as HER2 mutations are found in a subset of NSCLC patients, and new treatments are needed.

The study enrolled patients who had already received multiple prior lines of therapy, highlighting the need for effective options in heavily pre-treated populations. Key aspects of the study included:

Patient Characteristics: The median age of participants was 58.5 years, with most having received three prior regimens.
HER2 Status: HER2 IHC (immunohistochemistry) status was available for seven patients, providing information on the level of HER2 protein expression in their tumors.
Treatment Duration: The median duration of treatment was 3.66 months, indicating sustained exposure to the drug.
Tumor Response: 80% of subjects with post-baseline scans experienced tumor shrinkage.
Objective Response Rate (ORR): An ORR of 62.5% was observed in evaluable subjects, indicating a significant proportion of patients responded to the treatment.
Disease Control Rate (DCR): The DCR was 75.0%, reflecting the percentage of patients with stable disease, partial response, or complete response.
HER2 IHC Correlation: Among subjects with HER2 IHC 2+ or 3+ expression, 40% experienced a partial response.
Duration of Response (DOR): The median DOR was 11.5 months, demonstrating a prolonged benefit from the treatment.
Adverse Events: While generally manageable, 25% of patients experienced grade 3 or higher adverse events, with common side effects including decreased appetite, nausea, and alopecia.

These results suggest that DS-8201a demonstrated encouraging antitumor activity in heavily pre-treated NSCLC patients with HER2 mutations or overexpression. The drug's manageable toxicity profile further supports its potential as a valuable treatment option for this specific patient population. However, it's important to note that one fatal case of interstitial lung disease was reported, warranting careful monitoring.

The Future of Lung Cancer Treatment: Personalized Approaches and Accurate Diagnostics

The studies discussed highlight the importance of personalized medicine in lung cancer treatment. Identifying specific genetic mutations, like HER2, and utilizing targeted therapies like DS-8201a, offers the potential to improve outcomes for select patient populations. Furthermore, the standardization and optimization of diagnostic tools, such as PD-L1 IHC assays, is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment.

Ongoing research continues to explore novel therapeutic targets and refine diagnostic methods in lung cancer. As our understanding of the disease evolves, so too will our ability to provide individualized care that maximizes patient survival and quality of life.

For individuals affected by lung cancer, staying informed about the latest research and treatment options is key. Consulting with oncologists and participating in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies and contribute to the advancement of lung cancer care.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is HER2, and why is targeting it important for lung cancer treatment?

HER2, an abbreviation for Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2, is a protein found on the surface of some cancer cells, including those in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). HER2 mutations can drive cancer cell growth, making it a key target for therapy. DS-8201a is a drug specifically designed to target HER2. This is significant because it allows for a more personalized approach to treatment. The implications are that patients whose tumors express or have mutations in HER2 may benefit from this targeted therapy, leading to better outcomes and improved survival rates compared to standard treatments.

What is DS-8201a, and how does it work in the context of NSCLC?

DS-8201a is a HER2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate that has shown promise in treating NSCLC. It works by attaching to the HER2 protein on cancer cells and delivering a chemotherapy drug directly to those cells. This targeted approach minimizes harm to healthy cells. The study highlighted in the material involved patients with advanced NSCLC who had already undergone multiple prior lines of therapy. It demonstrated an encouraging anti-tumor activity, with a significant percentage of patients experiencing tumor shrinkage and a notable objective response rate. The implications of using DS-8201a are that it provides an effective treatment option for a patient population with limited prior options.

What is the role of PD-L1 IHC assays in lung cancer treatment?

PD-L1 IHC assays are tests that measure the levels of the PD-L1 protein in tumor cells. PD-L1 is a protein that can prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. The level of PD-L1 expression helps doctors determine if a patient is likely to respond to immunotherapy. While this isn't directly detailed in the information, the importance is clear: patients with higher PD-L1 expression often respond better to immunotherapy drugs. Standardizing and optimizing these assays ensures patients receive the most appropriate treatment. The implications are that accurate PD-L1 testing allows for the selection of patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy, avoiding unnecessary side effects and potentially improving outcomes.

What do Objective Response Rate (ORR) and Disease Control Rate (DCR) mean in the context of the DS-8201a study?

The Objective Response Rate (ORR) refers to the percentage of patients whose tumors shrink in response to a treatment. In the case of DS-8201a, an ORR of 62.5% was observed, indicating a significant proportion of patients experienced tumor shrinkage. The Disease Control Rate (DCR) is the percentage of patients with stable disease, partial response, or complete response. In the study, the DCR was 75%. The ORR and DCR are critical because they provide a quantitative measure of how well a treatment is working. The implications are that these rates provide evidence of a drug's efficacy, informing decisions about its use and helping researchers understand its impact on patients with HER2 mutations or overexpression.

How does the research contribute to the idea of personalized medicine in lung cancer treatment?

The article emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine in lung cancer treatment, specifically NSCLC. This means tailoring treatment to the individual patient based on their specific tumor characteristics, such as genetic mutations. Identifying specific genetic mutations like HER2, and using targeted therapies like DS-8201a is a key component of this approach. Furthermore, the use of diagnostic tools such as PD-L1 IHC assays ensures that patients receive appropriate therapy. The implications of personalized medicine include better patient outcomes, reduced side effects, and more efficient use of resources. It shifts the focus from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more precise, patient-centric strategy.