‘Amazing’ trial shows drug combination stops lung cancer advancing for longer

Experts say the breakthrough comes amid a “golden age” of cancer research where a greater understanding of what spurs on specific tumours is informing better ways to beat the disease. Photograph: NHS England/PA

Doctors are hailing “amazing” trial results that show a new drug combination stopped lung cancer advancing for more than 40% longer than the standard treatment.

Lung cancer is the world’s leading cause of cancer death, accounting for about 1.8 million deaths every year. Survival rates in those with advanced forms of the disease, where tumours have spread, are particularly poor.