Opinion|Videos|May 15, 2025
Patient Selection Criteria: Identifying Appropriate Candidates for Tarlatamab
Panelists discuss how tarlatamab eligibility is determined based on clinical factors such as prior treatment history, organ function, and ECOG performance status, with particular attention to how previous therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy or chemotherapy, may affect eligibility and immune system response.
Advertisement
Episodes in this series
Summary for Physicians:
Clinical Factors for Tarlatamab Eligibility:
- Good candidates:
- Relapsed/refractory small cell lung cancer after prior treatments
- Adequate organ function (eg, liver, kidney)
- ECOG performance status: Typically 0-1 (able to carry out normal activities or minimal assistance needed)
- Impact of treatment history:
- Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy or bispecifics: May affect eligibility due to prior immune system manipulation; consider potential cross-reactivity or previous toxicities.
- Chemotherapy: Previous treatment may influence eligibility, especially if there are complications (eg, neuropathy or compromised organ function).
Prior therapies may also alter immune system response, impacting effectiveness.
Advertisement
Related to this article
Peter Forsyth, MD, discusses a first-in-human trial of intrathecal dendritic cell therapy for leptomeningeal disease from breast cancer.
Adding radiotherapy to tislelizumab and chemotherapy also appeared to prolong progression-free survival in a real-world setting.
![“[E]ven if patients relapse following an allogeneic transplant, donor lymphocyte infusions can be incredibly helpful,” said Mary Jo Lechowicz, MD.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/0vv8moc6/cancernetwork/06df696db42b151710c58727b1333ee098de6453-1200x800.jpg?w=350&fit=crop&auto=format)
“[E]ven if patients relapse following an allogeneic transplant, donor lymphocyte infusions can be incredibly helpful,” said Mary Jo Lechowicz, MD.
The Community Oncology Alliance is urging CMS and Congress to address Medicare Part B drug negotiation policies that threaten independent cancer practices and patient access.
In a phase 1 trial, the MVA-vectored neoantigen vaccine TG4050 produced no dose-limiting toxicities or relapses in those with resected HPV-negative HNSCC.
At SOHO 2026, experts highlighted new findings and advances across diseases including lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and leukemia.
Poster sessions at WCLC 2026 detail how surgery, nursing, and pathology can contribute to the multidisciplinary care of patients with lung cancer.
A positive CHMP opinion supports the perioperative use of pembrolizumab plus enfortumab vedotin in resectable MIBC regardless of cisplatin eligibility.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Trending on CancerNetwork
1
CELMoDs After T-Cell–Engaging Therapy in Multiple Myeloma
2
Key Takeaways for Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Care From WCLC 2026
3
Neoantigen Vaccine Shows Encouraging Activity in Head and Neck Cancer
4
What Were the Key Hematologic Oncology Takeaways from SOHO 2026?
5