Optimizing Subcutaneous Therapies in NSCLC: Practical Integration, Patient Selection, and Workflow Considerations

This episode, titled Optimizing Subcutaneous Therapies in NSCLC: Practical Integration, Patient Selection, and Workflow Considerations, features oncology experts discussing the following critical questions:

What are the strengths and limitations of subcutaneous therapies when compared with IV therapies in lung cancer?

Where are you currently incorporating the different subcutaneous therapies into your treatment algorithms for patients with NSCLC?

How might training, education, and workflows need to evolve as more subcutaneous oncology drugs enter the market?

Led by Dr. Martin Dietrich, Drs. Dowlati, Weiss, and Niu examined subcutaneous (SC) therapies, which offer several advantages over intravenous (IV) administration in NSCLC, including shorter administration time, reduced need for infusion resources, greater patient convenience, and the potential for improved clinic workflow efficiency. In the adjuvant setting, where treatment is potentially curative, SC formulations can enhance patient adherence and quality of life without compromising efficacy, making them particularly attractive for long-term therapy. Current incorporation of SC therapies in clinical practice often prioritizes patients who face barriers to frequent IV infusions, such as those with limited mobility, travel constraints, or preference for shorter visits. Patients with comorbidities requiring close monitoring or those with complex infusion reactions may still benefit more from IV therapy due to flexibility in dose adjustments and rapid management of adverse events.

As more SC oncology drugs enter the market, training and education for both clinical staff and patients will need to evolve, emphasizing proper administration techniques, recognition of injection-site reactions, and monitoring for systemic immune-related toxicities. Workflow adaptations may include restructured clinic schedules, patient self-administration protocols, and telehealth follow-up to optimize convenience while maintaining safety. Overall, SC therapies expand flexibility in NSCLC management, supporting personalized treatment delivery while balancing efficacy, safety, and patient-centered considerations.

Throughout the conversation, the experts provide a comprehensive reflection on the field and the factors that may shape how clinicians approach care moving forward.

In the next episode, Overcoming Barriers and Future Integration of Subcutaneous Therapies in Lung Cancer, panelists will continue their discussion on the management of lung cancer.