1. Real-world treatment patterns and outcomes of chemo-immunotherapy with or without radiotherapy in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer : the durvalumab expanded access cohortUrška Janžič, Walid Shalata, Mojca Unk, Ana Sophie Terglav, Natali Shirron, Daher Sameh, Mor Moskovitz, Ofer Merimsky, Patricia Garrido, Miguel Lopes, David Araujo, Talia Shantzer, Hadas Gantz-Sorotsky, Ofer Rotem, Damien Urban, Izabela Chmielewska, Ana Barroso, Alona Zer, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Purpose: To describe real-world treatment patterns and outcomes among patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) treated with first-line chemotherapy plus durvalumab as in CASPIAN trial within Expanded Access Program, with a focus on the use and impact of consolidation (cRT) and salvage radiotherapy (sRT).Patients and methods: This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included patients with ES-SCLC treated with durvalumab plus platinum–etoposide between September 2019 and December 2022 across 11 academic centers in Israel, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia. Patients characteristics, radiotherapy use, adverse events (AE), and outcomes were collected using a standardized form. Radiotherapy was categorized as cRT, sRT, or palliative RT (pRT). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier methods and compared using log-rank testing. Multivariable Cox regression evaluated predictors of survival.Results: A total of 133 patients were included (median age 65 years; 74% ECOG PS 0–1). Radiotherapy was administered to 58.6% of patients (cRT 28.2%, sRT 24.3%, pRT 47.4%). Median (m) PFS and mOS for the entire cohort were 6.9 months (m) and 15.9 m, respectively. Patients receiving cRT achieved the longest mPFS (11.7 m) and a mOS of 19.5 m; sRT was associated with an mOS of 20.4 m. Continuation of durvalumab beyond progression combined with RT was associated with improved survival (p = 0.024). Treatment-related AEs occurred in 38.3% of patients, immune-related toxicities were infrequent, and pneumonitis was rare.Conclusion: In this multinational real-world cohort, outcomes with first-line chemo-immunotherapy were consistent with CASPIAN trial. The addition of cRT or sRT appeared feasible, safe, and associated with clinically meaningful survival improvements. Prospective trials are needed to define optimal integration of radiotherapy with chemo-immunotherapy in ES-SCLC.
Keywords: chemo-IO, consolidation radiotherapy, salvage radiotherapy, palliative radiotherapy, ES-SCLC, extensive-stage small cell lung cancer
Published in DiRROS: 11.08.2026; Views: 93; Downloads: 56
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2. Vloga in napredek zdravljenja pljučnega raka z zaviralci imunskih kontrolnih točkUrška Janžič, 2026, review article Abstract: Zaviralci imunskih kontrolnih točk so bistveno spre menili zdravljenje pljučnega raka, ki je že historično bolezen z zelo slabo prognozo in preživetjem. Naj večji napredek je bil dosežen pri nedrobnoceličnem raku pljuč, kjer so zaviralci imunskih kontrolnih točk postali standard zdravljenja tako v prvi, kot tudi v drugi liniji. Pri drobnoceličnem raku pljuč so zaviralci imunskih kontrolnih točk prvič po desetletjih izboljšali celokupno preživetje. V prispevku so predstavljeni mehanizmi delovanja zaviralcev imunskih kontrolnih točk ter ključne klinične študije, ki so dokazale iz boljšanje celokupnega preživetja ob zdravljenju z njimi.
Published in DiRROS: 10.07.2026; Views: 137; Downloads: 50
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3. Transition from parenteral to subcutaneous application of systemic oncological therapy for treating non-small-cell lung cancerAnela Muratović, Urška Janžič, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Background: The transition from the parenteral to subcutaneous application of systemic oncological therapy represents one of the most important innovations in modern oncology, as it affects the quality of life of patients as well as the organization of work and the management of health services. The introduction of this change requires effective leadership, interdisciplinary cooperation, and the adaptation of existing processes in healthcare organizations. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the professional and scientific literature, considering the purpose and goal of this research. We used electronic databases: Wiley Online Library, PubMed, COBBIS.SI, and Google Scholar web browser. Papers from 2017 to 2025 were considered and processed using meta-synthesis. Results: Recent studies confirm that the subcutaneous administration of immunotherapy and targeted therapy is as effective and safe as parenteral immunotherapy, while significantly reducing treatment time and improving patient experience. Discussion: The transition to subcutaneous application provides an opportunity to transform oncology care. From a management perspective, the introduction of subcutaneous application requires systematic change management, staff training, process adaptation, and interdisciplinary cooperation. The sustainable implementation of innovations depends on organization, communication, and management support.
Keywords: lung cancer, oncological therapy, quality of medical treatment
Published in DiRROS: 30.06.2026; Views: 185; Downloads: 84
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4. The efficacy of first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with metastatic NSCLC aged ≥70 years with high PD-L1 (TPS ≥50%) expression: a multicenter real-world studyFilip Marković, Maximilian J Hochmair, Nino Müser, Hannah Fabikan, Vania Mikaela Rodriguez, Urška Janžič, Mihailo Stjepanović, Milica Kontic Jovanovic, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This real-world study assessed the effectiveness of first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with metastatic non-oncogene-addicted NSCLC and PD-L1 TPS ≥50%, comparing those aged ≥70 years to younger patients. Results showed no significant differences in outcomes—objective response rate, time on treatment (ToT), and overall survival (OS)—between the two age groups. In older patients, a history of smoking and good performance status (ECOG PS 0–1) were associated with better outcomes. Poor ECOG PS (≥2) was linked to shorter ToT and OS, regardless of age. Older patients were less likely to receive second-line therapy due to comorbidities and functional decline. These findings highlight the importance of performance status over chronological age in predicting benefit from immunotherapy and support pembrolizumab monotherapy as an effective firstline option for older patients with good functional status.
Keywords: NSCLC, PD-L1, real-world data
Published in DiRROS: 25.02.2026; Views: 593; Downloads: 299
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5. Representation of geriatric oncology in cancer care guidelines in Europe : a scoping review by the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG)C. Lafont, G. Liposits, R. Vidra, A. J. Cunquero-Tomás, E. Korobeinikova, N. R. Neuendorff, V. Slavova-Boneva, Urška Janžič, S. Pilleron, 2025, review article Keywords: cancer, older adults, policy, guidelines, healthcare system
Published in DiRROS: 25.02.2026; Views: 524; Downloads: 375
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6. Real-world experience in treatment of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer with BRAF or cMET exon 14 skipping mutationsUrška Janžič, Walid Shalata, Katarzyna Szymczak, Rafal Dziadziuszko, Marko Jakopović, Giannis Mountzios, Adam Płużański, António Araújo, Andriani Charpidou, Abed Agbarya, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: BRAF and cMET exon 14 skipping are rare mutations of NSCLC. The treatment sequence in these cases for the first and second line is not clear. An international registry was created for patients with advanced NSCLC harboring BRAF or cMET exon 14 skipping mutations, diagnosed from January 2017 to June 2022. Clinicopathological and molecular data and treatment patterns were recorded. Data on 58 patients, from eight centers across five countries, were included in the final analysis. We found that 40 patients had the cMET exon 14 skipping mutation and 18 had the BRAF V600E mutation. In total, 53 and 28 patients received first- and second-line treatments, respectively, among which 52.8% received targeted therapy (TT) in the first line and 53.5% in the second line. The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) for first-line treatment with TT vs. other treatment such as immune checkpoint inhibitors ± chemotherapy (IO ± CT) were 55.6% vs. 21.7% (p = 0.0084) and 66.7% vs. 39.1% (p = 0.04), respectively. The type of treatment in first-line TT vs. other affected time to treatment discontinuation (TTD) was 11.6 m vs. 4.6 m (p= 0.006). The overall survival for the whole group was 15.4 m and was not statistically affected by the type of treatment (19.2 m vs. 13.5 m; p = 0.83).
Keywords: non-small-cell lung cancer, BRAF V600 mutation, cMET exon 14 skipping mutation, real-world data, targeted therapy, first-line therapy
Published in DiRROS: 25.02.2026; Views: 593; Downloads: 320
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7. Response rate of the third and fourth doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine administered to cancer patients undergoing active anti-neoplastic treatmentsAbed Agbarya, Ina Sarel, Tomer Ziv-Baran, Orna Schwartz, Yelena Shechtman, Ella Kozlener, Rasha Khoury, Mohammad Sheikh Ahmad, Leonard Saiegh, Forat Swaid, Ahmad Asala Abu, Urška Janžič, Ronen Brenner, 2023, original scientific article Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, BNT162b2 vaccine, cancer patients, anti-neoplastic treatment, chemotherapy, antibodies, immunogenicity, COVID-19, immunocompromise
Published in DiRROS: 25.02.2026; Views: 513; Downloads: 284
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8. A three-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine regime produces both suitable immunogenicity and satisfactory efficacy in patients with solid cancersUrška Janžič, Urška Bidovec, Peter Korošec, Katja Mohorčič, Loredana Mrak, Marina Čakš, Maja Ravnik, Erik Škof, Matija Rijavec, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Background: The recommended booster third dose of vaccination against COVID-19 in cancer patients seems reasonable to protect them against a severe disease course. A prospective study was designed to assess the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of COVID-19 vaccination in this cohort. Methods: Patients with solid malignancies on active treatment were followed up after the primary course and booster third dose of vaccination to assess their anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG levels, efficacy in the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and safety. Results: Out of 125 patients receiving the primary course of vaccination, 66 patients received a booster third dose of mRNA vaccine, with a 20-fold increase in median anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG levels compared to Ab levels six months post-primary course of vaccination (p < 0.0001). After the booster third dose, anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG levels were comparable to healthy controls (p = 0.113). There was a decline in Ab levels 3 (p = 0.0003) and 6 months (p < 0.0001) post-third booster dose. No patients had either a severe disease course or a lethal outcome in the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection after the third booster dose. Conclusion: The third booster vaccination dose against COVID-19 in solid cancer patients triggers substantial immunogenicity and is safe and effective for preventing a severe COVID-19 disease course.
Keywords: solid cancer, COVID-19 vaccination, booster third dose
Published in DiRROS: 25.02.2026; Views: 612; Downloads: 319
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9. The role of antibody-drug conjugates in the treatment of lung cancerTanya Zlatanova, Aynura Changalova, Urška Janžič, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Over the last decades, lung cancer treatment has improved immensely, mainly due to the incorporation of new targeted treatments and immunotherapy. A relatively new and potentially highly effective class of drugs, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has been introduced to the clinical setting and is currently under intense investigation, alone and in combination with other molecules. This study aims to summarize the latest data on ADCs for lung cancer treatment and to analyze their potential, toxicity profile, and challenges.
Keywords: ADC, antibody-drug conjugate, non-small cell lung cancer, small-cell lung cancer, targeted therapy, immunotherapy
Published in DiRROS: 05.02.2026; Views: 736; Downloads: 358
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