A SEER analysis linked to medicare claims data of >254K adults 65 and older with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed between 2006–2021 reveals fewer than half (47%) received systemic therapy despite the advent of immunotherapy and targeted agents that have dramatically improved survival and tolerability. Treatment receipt was unsurprisingly associated with younger age, fewer comorbidities, marital status, nonrural residence and…referral to an oncologist which was omitted for one-third of diagnosed patients. The authors–and related NYT coverage–worry persistent therapeutic nihilism from physicians less familiar with modern oncologic treatments may limit uptake of life-prolonging therapy. | Fox, JAMA Oncol 2026
