STK11 and MTAP loss reshape NSCLC prognosis and immunotherapy response, prompting new dual-checkpoint and PRMT5 inhibitor trials

Recent analyses highlight that loss of the STK11 gene and co‑deletion of MTAP are common in non‑small cell lung cancer and are linked to poorer overall prognosis.

These genetic alterations also appear to diminish the effectiveness of current immunotherapy approaches, suggesting that patients with these mutations may derive limited benefit from standard checkpoint inhibitors.

The findings are prompting investigators to explore combination strategies, including dual‑checkpoint blockade and the use of PRMT5 inhibitors, as potential ways to overcome resistance in this molecular subgroup.