Breakthrough drug combo slashes lung cancer progression risk by 65%

A new drug combination has shown promising results in treating the most common form of lung cancer. The OptiTROP-Lung05 trial tested sac-TMT alongside Keytruda, revealing a significant improvement over standard therapy. This development could change how advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is managed in the future.

The disease accounts for about 87% of all lung cancer cases in the US, according to the American Cancer Society. The Phase 3 study compared sac-TMT plus Keytruda with Keytruda alone in first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC. Results showed the combination cut the risk of progression or death by 65%. Tumour response rates also climbed to 70.2%, up from 42% with Keytruda by itself.

However, the stronger treatment came with more side effects. Around 55% of patients on the combination experienced severe adverse events, such as low white blood cell counts and anaemia. This was higher than the 31% seen in the Keytruda-only group.

Sac-TMT, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting TROP2, was developed by China’s Kelun-Biotech and licensed to Merck in 2022. It has already been approved in China for late-stage NSCLC, as well as breast and gastrointestinal cancers. Regulators there are now fast-tracking its review for first-line NSCLC use.

Full trial details will be presented at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting. Meanwhile, Merck’s share price rose by roughly 4% in after-hours trading following the positive data release. The trial results suggest sac-TMT plus Keytruda could become a more effective first-line option for advanced NSCLC. Chinese authorities are now reviewing an expanded approval, with full findings set for presentation in 2026. If approved, this combination may offer a new standard for patients with the disease.