"This is the largest study in lung cancer comparing an oral biologic therapy to chemotherapy, and shows, for the first time, that an oral biologic therapy is just as effective as chemotherapy," said Kim, the study's corresponding author. "Based on our findings, I'm hopeful that Iressa can return as a treatment for lung cancer in the United States, offering this some patients a therapy with far fewer side effects."

For the first time the National Lung Cacner Partnership Patient Advocacy Summit brings together advocates from across America to share experiences and develop strategies for combating the stigma attached to the disease.