THIO (telomere-targeting nucleoside analog) → sequential cemiplimab (PD-1) posts 16.9-mo OS signal in 3L ICI-resistant NSCLC

THIO is a first-in-class telomere-targeting agent designed to disrupt telomere integrity in telomerase-positive tumor cells and was sequenced before cemiplimab (a PD-1 antibody) in the multicenter, open-label Phase 2 NCT05208944 study of advanced NSCLC progressing after 1–4 prior regimens including ICIs; this analysis focused on third-line patients (n=22) and explored outcomes by baseline PD-L1 status. With a current median follow-up of 13 months, the 180 mg THIO cohort (n=10) reported median OS of 16.9 months, compared with the abstract’s cited third-line benchmark median survival follow-up of 5.8 months; PR/SD was described as independent of baseline PD-L1. Treatment was reported as “generally well tolerated,” but the abstract does not provide Grade 3+ AE rates, immune-related AE detail, or discontinuation rates, limiting comparability versus common salvage options like docetaxel±ramucirumab (where median OS is ~10.5 months in the REVEL setting after platinum, with substantial Grade 3+ neutropenia/febrile neutropenia).