On October 2, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) in combination with Tecentriq (atezolizumab) or Tecentriq Hybreza (atezolizumab and hyaluronidase-tqjs) as maintenance therapy for adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) whose disease has not progressed after initial first-line treatment with Tecentriq (atezolizumab), Tecentriq Hybreza (atezolizumab and hyaluronidase-tqjs), carboplatin, and etoposide. Tecentriq Hybreza (atezolizumab and hyaluronidase-tqjs) is the subcutaneous form of Tecentriq (atezolizumab) and is given by a shot (injection) under the skin. 

This latest approval is based on the results of the IMforte study, which compared the use of Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) in combination with Tecentriq (atezolizumab) versus Tecentriq (atezolizumab) alone in individuals with ES-SCLC whose disease has not progressed after initial first-line treatment with Tecentriq (atezolizumab), carboplatin, and etoposide. The study found that people with ES-SCLC who received Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) together with Tecentriq (atezolizumab) remained on treatment longer before their cancer worsened, and lived longer overall, compared to those who received Tecentriq (atezolizumab) alone. This new combination shows promise as a treatment with prolonged benefit for people who responded well to initial treatment. 

All of the treatments mentioned have been previously approved for use as first-line treatment in ES-SCLC, however, this most recent approval represents a new combination treatment for people with the diagnosis.  

Please speak with your healthcare team for more information about this treatment combination and to see if it may be a good option for you. If you have questions about treatment, trials, or biomarker testing, contact our LungMATCH team at support@go2.org or 1-800-298-2436.   

Read the full FDA announcement.