FDA Approves Landmark Drug for Lung Cancer Patients

The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) applauds the FDA’s approval of the Bristol-Meyers Squibb’s (BMS) Opdivo immunotherapy drug for the treatment of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in the US.

“It’s about time we revolutionize our approach to lung cancer treatment,” said Bonnie J. Addario, 10-year lung cancer survivor and founder of the ALCF. “Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and has one of the highest mortality rates. There is significant need for treatment options that benefit patients and increase survival rates. This is a huge step in the right direction.”

Immunotherapy is a breakthrough treatment option that uses a patient’s immune system to help fight cancer, rather than using toxic chemotherapies. Opdivo is approved for patients diagnosed with squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is one of the most common types of lung cancer and accounts for more than 85% of all diagnoses. Researchers' understanding of the relationship between cancer and the immune systems has improved dramatically over the past decade. Through the development of a variety of immunotherapy treatments, along with strategies to combine them with existing treatments, researchers are working to address all cancers and extend the benefits of immunotherapy to a larger group of cancer patients.

“The FDA’s landmark approval will revolutionize our nation’s approach to cancer treatment,” said Addario. “We have worked with BMS for years and are proud to assist them in ushering in a new and hopeful era for lung cancer patients across the nation.”