Zongertinib (BI 1810631) is an oral medication being tested as a first-line treatment for patients with a specific type of lung cancer that cannot be surgically removed. This medication targets mutations in the HER2 gene, which are involved in the growth of cancer cells. The trial aims to determine if zongertinib is more effective than the current standard treatments in delaying the progression of the disease.

Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy drug used in the trial as part of the standard treatment. It works by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Pembrolizumab is often used in combination with other treatments to enhance its effectiveness against cancer.

Platinum-based chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs containing the metal platinum. These drugs work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing. In this trial, platinum-based chemotherapy is used as part of the standard treatment regimen.

Pemetrexed is a chemotherapy drug that is used in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy and pembrolizumab in the trial. It works by interfering with the cancer cell’s ability to use folate, a vitamin that is necessary for cell division. This helps to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer – This is a type of lung cancer that does not originate from squamous cells, which are flat cells lining the airways. It is the most common form of lung cancer and includes subtypes such as adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma. The disease typically begins in the outer parts of the lungs and may not cause symptoms until it has progressed. As it advances, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, bones, and brain. The progression of the disease can vary, with some tumors growing slowly while others may grow and spread more rapidly.