ERS Congress 2024: highlights from the Thoracic Oncology Assembly

Abstract

<title>Extract</title> Thoracic malignancies pose significant pressure on healthcare systems, with lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. At the 2024 European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria, global experts in thoracic oncology presented best practices and the latest advancements in the diagnosis and management of thoracic malignancies. Advances in endoscopic techniques, such as electromagnetic navigation and robotic bronchoscopy, have enhanced the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions, improving precision and reducing complications. Additionally, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionised the molecular diagnosis of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), facilitating rapid identification of genomic alterations. Challenges in managing resectable stage III NSCLC remain, as many patients relapse despite surgery and perioperative therapies. Furthermore, the lung cancer screening symposium highlighted the importance of tailored lung cancer screening guidelines across Europe, emphasising quality standards and centralised expertise to address variability in practices. Finally, the evolving landscape of pleural mesothelioma (PM) treatment underscores the need for improved stratification and the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches, including the potential of epigenetic modifiers. This article highlights the key takeaways from these presentations.