Overcoming Barriers and Future Integration of Subcutaneous Therapies in Lung Cancer

In the final episode, Overcoming Barriers and Future Integration of Subcutaneous Therapies in Lung Cancer, the panelists explored the following critical questions:

What are the key financial, regulatory, and logistical barriers that need to be overcome for more widespread adoption?

What predictions do you have for the integration of subcutaneous therapies in lung cancer in the next 5 years?

Led by the moderator, the panelists examine widespread adoption of subcutaneous (SC) therapies in lung cancer, which faces several financial, regulatory, and logistical barriers. Financially, higher drug costs, reimbursement variability, and coverage limitations can restrict access for certain patient populations or treatment settings. Regulatory hurdles include the need for approval of SC formulations in specific indications, demonstration of bioequivalence to IV formulations, and alignment of labeling and safety monitoring requirements. Logistically, clinics must adapt workflows, staff training, and inventory management to accommodate SC administration, while ensuring safe injection practices and monitoring for both local and systemic adverse events. Patient education is also critical to ensure proper administration, adherence, and timely reporting of side effects, especially if self-administration is considered.

Over the next five years, SC therapies are expected to become increasingly integrated into lung cancer care, particularly for adjuvant and perioperative settings where convenience and reduced infusion burden are valued. Advances in SC formulations, including fixed dosing and combination therapies, may further streamline administration and expand eligibility for outpatient or home-based treatment. Health systems are likely to implement more standardized workflows and digital tools to support monitoring, training, and patient engagement. Overall, overcoming these barriers will enable broader adoption of SC therapies, improving patient experience while maintaining efficacy and safety comparable to IV administration.

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

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