Several clinical studies have shown very promising results for the use of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Now it turns out that the treatment also works well when it comes out into the “real world”, in clinical practice. So not only among selected patients, but also in larger groups, such as older patients with underlying diseases. Not much time left 11 years ago, Cecilie Bråten received the discouraging message. The lung cancer she had gave her only a short time to live: – When I came to the oncologist after getting the answer, I said that I don’t feel like this. I’m not just going to switch to regular chemotherapy, and you can’t give me so short a time to live. And there was indeed hope. Cecilie Bråthen joined a clinical study, which tested immunotherapy against lung cancer. – It’s a good medicine, that is. Can you give your recommendation? – I can give my recommendation, absolutely. Very. But, it is clear that people respond very differently to this type of treatment, says Bråthen. Good news Immunotherapy has changed cancer treatment in recent years, and works by activating the patient’s own immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. This causes the growth of the cancer cells to slow down, or stop. In a comprehensive study that includes all lung cancer patients diagnosed after 2012 in Norway, the researchers found that far more patients with advanced lung cancer survive when immunotherapy is used. The result is better than among those who received chemotherapy, says senior researcher Bettina Kulle-Andreassen at the Cancer Registry. Bettina Kulle Andreassen Photo: Bjørn Atle Gildestad – This is very good news. We have shown that we can feel confident in the treatment that patients receive. The research is important for patients and those who must prioritize cancer treatment. – I think we can contribute, at Public Health and the Cancer Registry, to a faster implementation of these drugs in clinical practice, says Kulle-Andreassen. Is it expensive treatment? – This is very expensive treatment, but it can still pay off quickly, if there are fewer side effects and the patients do not have to spend as much time in hospital as before and can be with their families. Cecilie Bråten, who lives a good life 11 years after she was told that there was little hope, is proof that immunotherapy is effective against lung cancer. She follows closely the research in the field. – I think there are many who can tell these types of stories already. And it will also be like this in the future. The most interesting thing is that we have to find out who it is that it works so well on, says Kulle-Andreassen. No miracle cure Although there are many indications that immunotherapy will give many people much better treatment, there is no miracle cure: – There is not so that everyone can get this, and that lung cancer is eradicated as a problem? No, it is not, and no treatment can handle it. Because these patients are often diagnosed with very serious lung cancer. However, immunotherapy has been shown to give a much better survival than we had with the previous standard treatment, chemotherapy, says Kulle-Andreassen. Published 04.11.2024, at 16.59
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New study shows that many lung cancer patients can live longer with immunotherapy – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
