The 5th International Summit on Lung Cancer (RomeLung26) took place on May 8–9, 2026, in Rome, Italy, bringing together leading clinicians, researchers, and global experts in thoracic oncology for a focused discussion on the rapidly changing lung cancer treatment landscape.
As lung cancer care continues to move toward earlier intervention, molecular precision, and more personalized treatment sequencing, RomeLung26 served as an important forum for examining where the field is heading next. This year’s summit highlighted key advances in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), perioperative and neoadjuvant treatment strategies, biomarker-driven decision-making, artificial intelligence in biomarker discovery, and the expanding role of targeted therapies.
Below are some of the highlights, insights, and key updates shared during the 5th International Summit on Lung Cancer (RomeLung26), reflecting the latest advances in thoracic oncology, clinical research, biomarker-driven treatment, and global collaboration presented throughout the meeting.
“RomeLung26 Looking forward to a great weekend of lung cancer learning led by Federico Cappuzo, Lorenza Landi, Biagio Ricciuti, Day 1 starts with SCLC incl Peters Solange Charles Rudin et al, & now early stage NSCLC with Forde Patrick et al ”
“Strongly support Dr. Zhen Su, my friend, colleague, and mentor for SITC Director election. When he served as the global oncology leader at MerckKGaA/EMDSerono, he translated complex immune biology to approvals, then becaome impactful therapies for patients. He has multiple global approvals across agents such as avelumab, tepotinib, erbitux and others. Now as the CEO of Marengo, he is a true architect with vision, taking first-in-class T-cell agonist programs from platform stage into human studies and secured strong partnerships. Zhen has been a long-standing contributor to the immuno-oncology community, including leadership roles within SITC. His vision of bringing early discovery to global commercialization will continue shaping the development of next generation immunotherapies.”
“Dr. Fred Hirsch outlines biomarkers for ADCs at RomeLung26. Some exist (HER2, cMET, EGFR) but not for most. Should we focus more on payload markers? Likely will require combinations, signature.”
“Grateful to attend the 5th Annual International Summit on Lung Cancer RomeLung26 Even more special to spend Mother’s Day surrounded by such incredible scientific leaders- these women Viola Zhu, Kirsten Duncan”
“Insightful panel discussion at RomeLung26 on how to optimize and sequence treatment strategies in metastatic BRAF-, MET-, ALK- and ROS1-driven NSCLC. While immunotherapy has generally shown limited activity in oncogene-driven disease, emerging real-world and retrospective data suggest that carefully selected subsets of patients with BRAF- and MET-altered tumors may still derive meaningful benefit from ICIs.”
“Dr. Pasi Janne at RomeLung26 shows the promise of bispecifics in EGFR mutant NSCLC. Ivonescimab and pumitamig with early signs of activity. Can we generate immune responses in EGFR mutant and driver positive NSCLC?”
“Thank you Federico Cappuzzo & team for the kind invitation to RomeLung26 — 4th time & somehow each year feels even better than the last. Meaningful discussions, world-class faculty & the joy of reconnecting with friends & colleagues from around the globe. Grazie!”
“A Mother’s Day in Rome we won’t forget. RomeLung26 – Thank you Federico Cappuzo , Lorenza Landi and organizers for an exceptional scientific meeting. Ciao!”
“Brilliant research at RomeLung26! Spain’s chronic underfunding keeps pushing our biotech talent toward the UAE. We desperately need reform here.”
“Brilliant landscape review by Dr. Marina Garassino at RomeLung26. Many options and long term follow up shows a flat tail but room for improvement. Awaiting INSIGNA results to inform this space.”
“RomeLung26 Super talk by Stephen V Liu on clinical applications of AI – administrative resource to reduce documentation/improve physician burnout – synthetic arms in clinical trials, reducing cost & getting to answers early – biomarker discovery/radiomics.”
“Fascinating discussion on RomeLung26. The unique delivery and toxicity challenges of immunotherapy in mesothelioma highlight the need for tailored approaches. How might these insights influence future guidelines, given the surgical controversy? For deeper dive into studies like MARS2, check out Sci-Quest—your one-stop platform for generating comprehensive biomedical reviews.”
“Strongly support my UT MD Anderson
colleague Dr. Hussein Tawbi for SITC Director election Hussein is an internally renowned physician scientist immune-oncology leader who has helped redefine what immunotherapy can achieve in some of the most challenging clinical settings. His leadership of the CheckMate 204 study established the role of nivolumab + ipilimumab in melanoma brain metastases, a historically underserved population, He led RELATIVITY-047 which enabled the approval of nivolumab + relatlimab, introducing LAG-3 as a new checkpoint target. His voice and compassion, grounded in patient care and scientific rigor, would be an outstanding addition to the SITC Board as we navigate the next era of immunotherapy innovation”
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Written by Nare Hovhannisyan,MD