EGFR-mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Research Articles

Elucidating the potential of EGFR mutated NSCLC and identifying its multitargeted inhibitors

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities globally, accounting for the highest mortality rate among both men and women. Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are frequently found in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Since curcumin and CB[2]UN support various medicinal applications in drug delivery and design, we investigated the effect of curcumin and CB[2]UN-based drugs in controlling EGFR-mutant NSCLC through a dodecagonal computational approach. Molecular docking studies revealed that the ligands curcumin (-6.9 kcal/mol) and CB[2]UN (-8.1 kcal/mol) bound more strongly to the EGFR-mutant NSCLC proteins with 2ITX and 2ITV, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulation (50 ns) investigation of protein-ligand complexes using RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and SASA indicated that curcumin and CB[2]UN with EGFR-mutant proteins are kinetically stable. In addition, MMPBSA/MMGBSA analysis confirmed the thermodynamic stability of each curcumin and CB[2]UN protein-ligand complex. Finally, KDeep absolute binding affinity calculations show energies of -6.13 kcal/mol and − 5.26 kcal/mol for 2ITX-CUR and 2ITV-CB[2]UN protein-ligand complexes, respectively. Thus, our dodecagonal strategy reveals that 2ITX-CUR and 2ITV-CB[2]UN are more likely to form protein-ligand complexes with more significant binding affinities and excellent stability throughout the 50 ns simulation time.

Optimizing Osimertinib for NSCLC: Targeting Resistance and Exploring Combination Therapeutics

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations present in a substantial proportion of patients. Third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKI), exemplified by osimertinib, have dramatically improved outcomes by effectively targeting the T790M mutation—a primary driver of acquired resistance to earlier-generation EGFR TKI. Despite these successes, resistance to third-generation EGFR TKIs inevitably emerges. Mechanisms include on-target mutations such as C797S, activation of alternative pathways like MET amplification, histologic transformations, and intricate tumor microenvironment (TME) alterations. These resistance pathways are compounded by challenges in tolerability, adverse events, and tumor heterogeneity. In light of these hurdles, this review examines the evolving landscape of combination therapies designed to enhance or prolong the effectiveness of third-generation EGFR TKIs. We explore key strategies that pair osimertinib with radiotherapy, anti-angiogenic agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and other molecularly targeted drugs, and we discuss the biological rationale, preclinical evidence, and clinical trial data supporting these approaches. Emphasis is placed on how these combinations may circumvent diverse resistance mechanisms, improve survival, and maintain a favorable safety profile. By integrating the latest findings, this review aims to guide clinicians and researchers toward more individualized and durable treatment options, ultimately enhancing both survival and quality of life for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

Efficacy of ramucirumab combined with erlotinib or osimertinib in untreated EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients with asymptomatic brain metastases: insights from molecular biomarkers in the RELAY-brain trial.

The RELAY-Brain trial examined the clinical utility and survival impacts of ramucirumab (RAM) combined with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-TKI in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastases. Although RAM combined with erlotinib (ERL) is known to have clinical benefits, the benefits in patients with baseline brain metastases remain unclear. This report examined the long-term follow-up data (Japan Registry of Clinical Trials: jRCTs2051190027) of the same patients, analyzing relevant biomarkers from tumor and plasma samples. The six patients enrolled in the RELAY-Brain trial received RAM plus ERL or osimertinib (OSM). Our long-term follow-up observational study assessed patient survival, treatment status, and genetic biomarkers. Tumor and plasma samples were analyzed at baseline, during treatment, and at disease progression using next-generation sequencing and droplet digital PCR, to identify gene alterations and EGFR-TKI-resistant mutations. After median follow-up of 44.2months, the first site of disease progression in three of the patients was the brain metastases. In the RAM + ERL group, two patients with the T790M mutation subsequently received OSM. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival ranged from 10.46 to 42.07months and from 30.14 to 52.25months, respectively. Gene alterations included TP53 mutations in three patients and ERBB2 and PIK3CA mutations in two. TP53 mutations were associated with shorter PFS. RAM with ERL or OSM achieved significant clinical benefits for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC with asymptomatic brain metastases. These positive outcomes and the identification of related biomarkers support the therapeutic potential of these combinations.

The Potential Role of sPD-L1 as a Predictive Biomarker in EGFR-Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

A significant breakthrough in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment has occurred with the introduction of targeted therapies and immunotherapy. However, not all patients treated with these therapies would respond to treatment, and patients who respond to treatment would acquire resistance at some time point. This is why we need new biomarkers that can predict response to therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether soluble programmed cell death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1) could be a predictive biomarker in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive NSCLC. Blood samples from 35 patients with EGFR-mutated (EGFRmut) adenocarcinoma who achieved disease control with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) therapy were collected for sPD-L1 analysis. We analyzed sPD-L1 concentrations in 30 healthy middle-aged subjects, as a control population, to determine the reference range. Adenocarcinoma patients were divided into two groups, i.e., a group with low sPD-L1 (≤182.5 ng/L) and a group with high sPD-L1 (>182.5 ng/L). We found that progression-free survival (PFS) was 18 months, 95% CI (11.1-24.9), for patients with low sPD-L1 and 25 months, 95% CI (8.3-41.7), for patients with high sPD-L1. There was no statistically significant difference in PFS between the groups (p = 0.100). Overall survival (OS) was 34.4 months, 95% CI (26.6-42.2), for patients with low sPD-L1 and 84.1 months, 95% CI (50.6-117.6), for patients with high sPD-L1; there was also no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.114). In our study, we found that patients with high sPD-L1 had numerically better PFS and OS, but this has no statistical significance. Further studies with a larger number of patients are needed to evaluate the role of sPD-L1 as a predictive biomarker in patients with EGFRmut NSCLC.

Results from a phase 1b study of telisotuzumab vedotin in combination with osimertinib in patients with c-Met protein-overexpressing, EGFR-mutated locally advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after progression on prior osimertinib.

Osimertinib is the standard first-line treatment for advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated NSCLC. However, treatment resistance is inevitable and increased c-Met protein expression correlates with resistance. Telisotuzumab vedotin (Teliso-V) is an antibody-drug conjugate that targets c-Met protein overexpression. Herein, we report the results of a phase 1/1b trial evaluating Teliso-V plus osimertinib in patients with NSCLC after progression on osimertinib. This multicenter, open-label study (NCT02099058) enrolled patients with advanced EGFR-mutated, c-Met protein-overexpressing, non-squamous NSCLC that had progressed on prior osimertinib. Patients received Teliso-V (intravenously, every 2 weeks) plus osimertinib (orally, 80 mg once daily). Teliso-V was evaluated at 1.6 mg/kg in a safety lead-in phase and escalated to 1.9 mg/kg. Dose expansion included both doses. Endpoints included safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics, objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and progression-free survival (PFS). A total of 38 patients received Teliso-V (1.6 mg/kg, n=20; 1.9 mg/kg, n=18) plus osimertinib and were included in this analysis. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Most frequent any-grade treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were peripheral sensory neuropathy (50%), peripheral edema (32%), and nausea (24%). Most common grade 3/4 TEAEs were anemia (11%) and pulmonary embolism (8%). Five TEAEs led to death; none were reported as being related to Teliso-V or osimertinib. The pharmacokinetic profile of Teliso-V plus osimertinib was similar to Teliso-V monotherapy. After a median follow-up of 7.4 months, ORR was 50.0% per independent central review (ICR) (DOR not reached), and median PFS per ICR was 7.4 months (95% CI: 5.4, NR). Teliso-V plus osimertinib had promising activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with c-Met protein-overexpressing, EGFR-mutated non-squamous NSCLC after progression on osimertinib. This combination has the potential to address an unmet medical need in this patient population. NCT02099058.

Rebiopsy Enhances Survival with Afatinib vs. Osimertinib in EGFR Exon 19 Deletion Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Multicenter Study in Taiwan.

Afatinib and Osimertinib are first-line treatments for EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but their comparative efficacies and the patient groups that benefit the most remain unclear. This multicenter retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of first-line Afatinib and Osimertinib in NSCLC patients with EGFR 19del and no brain metastases at diagnosis. The primary endpoints were time on treatment (ToT) and overall survival (OS). Survival analyses were performed for three groups: Afatinib followed by Osimertinib, Afatinib followed by other therapies, and Osimertinib (alone or followed by other therapies). Rebiopsy practices, including T790M mutation detection, were also analyzed in patients with disease progression on Afatinib. Among 97 Afatinib-treated and 60 Osimertinib-treated patients, Osimertinib showed a significantly longer ToT (23.3 vs. 16.5 months; p = 0.007). Median OS was numerically higher for Afatinib with sequential Osimertinib (40.5 vs. 34.6 months for Osimertinib; p = 0.473). Osimertinib demonstrated advantages, with fewer brain metastases upon progression and fewer adverse effects. In the Afatinib group, 64% of patients with disease progression underwent rebiopsy, with 39% testing positive for T790M mutation and subsequently receiving Osimertinib. Rebiopsy was most frequently performed on the lung parenchyma using non-surgical methods. In this real-world study, Osimertinib achieved a significantly longer ToT compared to Afatinib in NSCLC patients with EGFR 19del and no brain metastases. The sequential use of Afatinib followed by Osimertinib showed a trend toward improved OS, highlighting the importance of rebiopsy for identifying T790M mutations to guide subsequent therapy.

Effects of EGFR-TKIs combined with intracranial radiotherapy in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases: a retrospective multi-institutional analysis

BackgroundPatients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are prone to developing brain metastases (BMs), particularly those with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. In clinical practice, treatment-naïve EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with asymptomatic BMs tend to choose EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as first-line therapy and defer intracranial radiotherapy (RT). However, the effectiveness of upfront intracranial RT remains unclear.MethodsThis was a retrospective study including 217 patients from two institutions between January 2018 and December 2022. Clinical data of NSCLC patients with BMs who received EGFR-TKIs were collected. The patients were assigned to one of the three groups according to the therapeutic modality used: the upfront TKI + stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) / fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (fSRS) group (upfront TKI + SRS/fSRS ), the upfront TKI + whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) group (upfront TKI + WBRT) and the upfront TKI group.ResultsAs of March 8, 2023, the median follow-up duration was 37.3 months (95% CI, 32.5–42.1). The median overall survival (OS) for the upfront TKI + SRS/fSRS, upfront TKI + WBRT, and upfront TKI groups were 37.8, 20.7, and 24.1 months, respectively (p = 0.015). In subgroup analysis, the upfront TKI + SRS/fSRS group demonstrated longer OS compared to the upfront TKI + WBRT and upfront TKI groups in patients treated with first or second-generation EGFR-TKIs (p = 0.021) and patients with L858R mutation (p = 0.017), whereas no survival benefit was observed in three-generation EGFR-TKIs or 19del subgroup. In the multivariable analysis, metachronous BMs, EGFR L858R mutation and nonclassic EGFR mutation were identified as independent risk factors for OS, while a DS-GPA score of 2.0–4.0 was the only independent protective factor.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that upfront addition of SRS/fSRS to EGFR-TKIs was associated with longer OS compared to upfront WBRT or upfront TKI alone in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with BMs. This improvement was more significant in patients with L858R mutation and those treated with first or second-generation EGFR-TKIs. Further research with a larger sample size is warranted.

Stage-specific efficacy of osimertinib in treatment-naïve EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer according to baseline genetic alterations in circulating tumor DNA.

The impact of clinical stage on the effectiveness of osimertinib for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unexamined. We investigated osimertinib therapeutic efficacy variation between stage IVA or lower and stage IVB EGFR mutation-positive lung cancers, focusing on differences in pretreatment co-occurring genetic alterations in circulating tumor DNA. This was a secondary analysis of the ELUCIDATOR study, a multicenter prospective observational study in Japan that assessed the mechanisms underlying resistance to osimertinib as a first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations. We compared the progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and pretreatment co-occurring genetic alterations detected in plasma between patients with stages IVA (n = 83) and IVB disease (n = 84). Multivariate analysis of PFS and OS revealed that stage IVB was associated with a poor prognosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-3.04, p < 0.001, HR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.45-3.90, p < 0.001, respectively). Pre-osimertinib treatment, significantly more TP53- (52.4% vs. 27.7%, p = 0.002), EGFR amplification- (58.3% vs. 23.2%, p < 0.001), and MET amplification-positive cases (22.6% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.008) were found among stage IVB than among stage IVA or lower cases. Patients with EGFR-positive NSCLC in stage IVB exhibited significantly shorter PFS and OS than those in earlier stages when treated with first-line osimertinib. The prevalence of baseline TP53 mutations, EGFR amplification, and MET amplification in plasma were significantly higher in stage IVB cases, implicating them in the worse outcomes of this group.

Diverse clinical outcomes for the EGFR‑mutated and ALK‑rearranged advanced non‑squamous non‑small cell lung cancer.

EGFR and ALK are key driver mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are recommended as the first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC with driving oncogenes because they have fewer side effects and provide better disease control than chemotherapy. The present retrospective analysis aimed to investigate how altered driver genes impact cancer outcomes and clinical presentation. A total of 628 patients with advanced-stage NSCLC and documented EGFR and ALK mutations were enrolled at Changhua Christian Hospital in Taiwan between August 2011 and January 2021. EGFR mutations were identified by PCR. ALK rearrangements were identified by immunostaining. Patients without EGFR or ALK mutations were labeled as wild-type (WT). EGFR mutation was detected in 446 (71.02%) patients, ALK rearrangement in 36 (5.73%) patients and WT in 146 (23.25%) patients. EGFR mutations resulted in higher frequency of lung, brain and multiple extrapulmonary metastases than ALK rearrangement. The ALK group exhibited the longest median overall survival (OS), followed by EGFR and WT groups (ALK: 51.60±13.32, EGFR: 24.03±1.22 and WT: 19.63±2.43 months, respectively; P=0.011). In patients with brain metastases, ALK group had a longer median OS than the EGFR group. Because there were few recruited patients with ALK rearrangement, the results were not significant. According to the results of Cox regression model analysis, driver mutations with EGFR and ALK, lower smoking pack-years, younger age, better performance status, no pleural metastasis and fewer extrapulmonary metastases were key prognostic factors. In conclusion, diverse clinical outcomes are driven by different driver mutations. EGFR mutation leads to more extrapulmonary metastases. Median OS was superior in ALK-rearranged NSCLC than EGFR-mutated NSCLC regardless of brain metastases.

Atezolizumab, bevacizumab, pemetrexed and platinum for EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients after EGFR TKI failure: A phase II study with immune cell profile analysis.

Acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) remains a significant hurdle forpatients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly those lacking the EGFRT790M. IMpower 150 study demonstrated promising efficacy for a combination of immune-chemotherapy and bevacizumab in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. This open-label, single-arm, phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and immune cell profile of the modified regimen combining atezolizumab, bevacizumab (7.5mg/kg) and chemotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC following TKI failure. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). The re-biopsy tissue specimens and serial peripheral blood samples were collected to analyse the immune cell profile and tumour microenvironments. 22 EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients participated in this study. The ORR was 42.9%, with a disease control rate (DCR) of 100%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.3 months. Patients with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression ≥1% exhibited significantly higher ORR (75 vs. 23.1%; p=.032) and longer PFS (14.0 vs. 6.1 months; p=.022) compared with those with PD-L1 expression<1%. Grade≥3 adverse events occurred in 40.9% of patients. Higher peritumour nature killer (NK) cell infiltration and lower peripheral helper T cell counts before treatment were associated with favourable ORR and longer PFS, respectively. After disease progression, the proportion of S100A9+ myelod-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) increased, while regulatory T cells decreased. This modified combination regimen may be a promising therapeutic option for EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with TKI resistance, especially those with PD-L1-positive tumours. Furthermore, immune cell profiling may aid in identifying patients who may benefit from this approach. The combination regimen yielded promising efficacy in NSCLC patients after EGFR-TKI resistance, particularly those with PD-L1-positive tumours. Higher peritumour NK cell and lower peripheral helper T cell were associated with favourable ORR and longer PFS, respectively. After disease progression, the proportion of S100A9+ MDSC increased, but Treg cells decreased.

Brief Report: Preventing Infusion-related Reactions With Intravenous Amivantamab: Results From SKIPPirr, a Phase 2 Study.

Amivantamab, an EGFR-MET bispecific antibody, is approved for multiple indications in EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as monotherapy or combined with other agents. Intravenous amivantamab is associated with a 67% infusion-related reactions (IRR) rate. The phase 2 SKIPPirr study (NCT05663866) enrolled patients with EGFR-mutated (Ex19del/L858R) advanced NSCLC after progression on osimertinib and platinum-based chemotherapy who received intravenous amivantamab plus oral lazertinib (amivantamab-lazertinib), a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Aiming to mitigate IRRs, 4 independent prophylactic approaches were evaluated using Simon's 2-stage design with an expansion stage if a cohort passed both stages: oral dexamethasone 4-mg twice daily (BID) given on cycle (C) 1 day (D) -1; oral dexamethasone 8-mg BID given on C1D-2, C1D-1, and morning of C1D1 (5 doses); oral montelukast 10-mg once daily given on C1D-4, C1D-3, C1D-2, C1D-1, and C1D1 (5 doses); subcutaneous methotrexate 25-mg (1 dose) given anytime between C1D-7 and C1D-3. Primary endpoint was C1D1 IRR incidence. As of 24-June-2024, 68 patients were treated across all cohorts. The dexamethasone 8-mg cohort passed stages 1 and 2 proceeding to the expansion stage, with 24 additional patients treated. At C1D1, 9/40 patients (22.5%) experienced IRRs, resulting in an ∼3-fold decrease versus historical data (67.4%). By end of C3, 10/41 (24.4%) patients in the dexamethasone 8-mg cohort experienced IRRs (grades 1-2, except 1 grade 3 on C2D1). Amivantamab-lazertinib safety and efficacy were consistent with previous reports. Prophylaxis with 8-mg oral dexamethasone meaningfully reduced IRRs and can be readily implemented in clinical practice.

Study Protocol of the Korean EGFR Registry: A Multicenter Prospective and Retrospective Cohort Study in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Patients With EGFR Mutation.

The provision of treatment for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has increased in Korea. However, multicenter studies on the clinicopathologic dataset and treatment outcomes, using a large-scale dataset, have not been conducted. The current study is a prospective and retrospective multicenter observational cohort study that registers all stages of EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients. The Korean EGFR Registry was designed to enroll 2000 patients with all stages of EGFR-mutated NSCLC from 40 university hospitals across Korea. This study, encompassing both retrospective and prospective cohorts, aims to analyze clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes in these patients. Data collection will include patient demographics, smoking history, quality of life assessments, pathological data, and treatment outcomes, with follow-up until December 2026. The primary endpoint is disease-free survival in patients who have undergone radical therapy (surgery and radiotherapy) or progression-free survival in those receiving targeted therapy (first, second, and subsequent lines), chemotherapy (first and subsequent lines), combination therapy, and palliative/maintenance therapy according to stages of EGFR-mutated NSCLC. The study will explore the diagnostic methods for EGFR mutations, clinical outcomes based on treatment modalities, and metastatic patterns in EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients. Moreover, it will investigate various aspects, including the safety and efficacy of a new third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), lazertinib, approved for both first- and second-line treatments. This study is expected to provide valuable insights into the epidemiology, risk factors, progression, and treatment outcomes of EGFR-mutated NSCLC in Korea. The Korean EGFR Registry will contribute significantly to the understanding of the complex dynamics of EGFR-mutated NSCLC, aiding in the development of more effective and personalized treatment strategies.

Third generation vs first generation EGFR-TKIs in the first line treatment for EGFR-mutated locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials.

Background: The prevailing belief is that third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (TGET) outperform first-generation EGFR-TKIs (FGET) in managing advanced-stage EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, this standpoint lacks substantiation in evidence-based medicine. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and adverse effects (AEs) of these two categories. Methods: We searched seven databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), focusing on primary endpoints such as progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and central nervous system PFS (CNS-PFS). Additional factors considered included treatment responses and AEs. Results: We analyzed 15 studies from 6 RCTs on six third-generation TKIs: Osimertinib, Lazertinib, Furmonertinib, Aumolertinib, Naquotinib, and Befotertinib. TGET showed better efficacy in PFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.55 [0.41, 0.75]), CNS-PFS (HR: 0.48 [0.35, 0.66]), CNS-objective response rate (CNS-ORR, risk ratio [RR]: 1.40 [1.19, 1.65]), and duration of response (DOR, HR: 0.52 [0.38, 0.72]). Most subgroups confirmed the PFS advantage. With longer survival time, the superiority in PFS, OS, and CNS-PFS of TGETs became more evident. Both groups had similar OS (HR: 0.86), ORR, CNS-DOR, total AEs, and grade 3-5 AEs. However, TGETs had more severe AEs (RR: 1.17 [1.02, 1.35]). Additionally, there were more grade 3-4 cases of diarrhea, decreased platelet count, pulmonary embolism, fatigue, decreased neutrophil count, and rash, and fewer grade 3-4 increases in alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the TGET group. The top 5 AEs in the TGET group were diarrhea (36.32%), rash (30.24%), decreased platelet count (29.15%), elevated serum creatinine (23.63%), and decreased white blood cell count (22.02%). Conclusions: Except for Naquotinib, TGETs demonstrate superiority over FGETs in treating EGFR-mutated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, showing improved survival and responses. However, the increased incidence of AEs necessitates careful consideration.

Recurrence as a small cell lung cancer transformation in a resected stage IIIA EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer treated with adjuvant osimertinib: a case report

Recurrence as a small cell lung cancer transformation in a resected stage IIIA EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer treated with adjuvant osimertinib: a case report

The potential of lazertinib and amivantamab combination therapy as a treatment strategy for uncommon EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

Uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pose therapeutic challenge due to limited response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This study presents preclinical evidence and mechanistic insights into the combination of lazertinib, a third-generation EGFR-TKI; and amivantamab, an EGFR-MET bispecific antibody, for treating NSCLC with uncommon EGFR mutations. The lazertinib-amivantamab combination demonstrates significant antitumor activity in patient-derived models with uncommon EGFR mutations either before treatment or after progressing on EGFR-TKIs. Lazertinib enhances the inhibitory capacity of amivantamab by increasing its on-target expression. Notably, the combination surpasses afatinib, a first-line treatment for uncommon EGFR mutations in NSCLC, in terms of invivo efficacy. Promising clinical activity is also observed in two case studies of patients treated with this combination (NCT04077463). Our findings highlight the potential of the lazertinib-amivantamab combination as a therapeutic strategy for uncommon EGFR mutations, an area of unmet medical need, and support further clinical investigation.

COMPOSIT study: evaluating osimertinib combination with targeted therapies in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.

The emergence of diverse resistance mechanisms after osimertinib therapy, including on-target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and off-target alterations, warrants investigation of novel therapeutics to overcome these challenges and improve patient outcomes. COMPOSIT was a French, retrospective, multicenter, cohort study of the effectiveness and tolerability of osimertinib in combination with other targeted therapies in patients with advanced EGFR-mutant (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who harbored other oncogenic drivers as primary or acquired resistance mechanisms. Real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR) were the primary endpoints. The study included 61 patients (63.9% women; median age, 61 years). Chemotherapy was administered to 26 patients (42.6%) before the combinations. The most frequently targeted resistance mechanisms were MET amplification (n = 40) and BRAF alterations (n = 11). Sixteen combinations of osimertinib with other targeted therapies were reported. Overall (except for 10 patients in clinical trials), median rwPFS and OS were 3.9 (95% CI, 2.9-5.2) and 9.8 months (95% CI, 6.8-14.8). Best ORR (n = 54) was 50% (95% CI, 33.0-72.8). In patients with MET amplification (n = 29), median rwPFS and OS were 4.9 (95% CI, 2.9-7.2) and 8.6 months (95% CI, 5.3-21.6). Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 15 patients (24.6%). No deaths were related to treatment. Combinations of osimertinib with other targeted therapies appeared to be feasible and safe and may offer clinical benefit to overcome resistance to osimertinib in EGFRm NSCLC, especially in patients with MET amplification.

Itraconazole Reversing Acquired Resistance to Osimertinib in NSCLC by Inhibiting the SHH/DUSP13B/p-STAT3 Axis.

There is an urgent necessity to devise efficient tactics to tackle the inevitable development of resistance to osimertinib, which is a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor used in treating EGFR-mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study demonstrates that combining itraconazole with osimertinib synergistically reduces the proliferation and migration, enhances the apoptosis of osimertinib-resistant cells, and effectively inhibits the growth of osimertinib-resistant tumors. Mechanistically, itraconazole combined with osimertinib promotes the proteasomal degradation of sonic hedgehog (SHH), resulting in inactivation of the SHH/Dual-specificity phosphatase 13B (DUSP13B)/p-STAT3 and Hedgehog pathways, suppressing Myc proto-oncogene protein (c-Myc). Additionally, DUSP13B interacts with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and modulates its phosphorylation. Interestingly, it is observed that SHH overexpression partially rescues the synergistic effects of this combination treatment strategy through the SHH/DUSP13B/p-STAT3 signaling axis. Moreover, it is found that SHH, (GLI1), p-STAT3, and DUSP13B play significant predictive roles in osimertinib resistance. In lung adenocarcinoma, p-STAT3 is positively correlated with SHH but negatively correlated with DUSP13B. Together, these results highlight the crucial role of itraconazole in reversing the acquired resistance to osimertinib and provide a scientific rationale for the therapeutic strategy of combining osimertinib with itraconazole.

Outcomes of patients receiving urgent palliative radiotherapy for advanced lung cancer: an observational study

BackgroundThere is considerable variability in the management of patients with advanced lung cancer referred for palliative radiotherapy owing to uncertainties in prognosis and the benefit of treatment. This study presents the outcomes of patients seen in the Fast Track Lung Clinic, an urgent access palliative radiotherapy clinic, and aims to identify factors associated with treatment response and survival.MethodsConsecutive patients with advanced lung cancer seen in the Fast Track Lung Clinic between January 2014 and July 2020 were included. Patients who underwent radiotherapy were contacted beginning 30 days after radiotherapy to evaluate treatment response. Cluster bootstraps were used to compute confidence intervals for treatment response rate. Prognostic factors for treatment response and overall survival were identified using multivariable generalized estimating equations and Cox regression models, respectively.ResultsA total of 558 patients were included, of whom 459 (82.3%) consented to palliative radiotherapy for 1053 indications. The overall treatment response rate was 70.0% (95% CI, 65.8-74.2) for indications with follow-up (70.8%). Higher response rates were observed in patients with better ECOG performance status (OR per point, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55-0.93; P=0.01) and EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (OR vs wild-type, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.35-4.51; P=0.003), whereas patients treated for neurological symptoms had lower response rates (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.16-0.45; P<0.001). There was no difference in response rate between patients who died within 30 days of starting radiotherapy and those who survived longer (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.42-1.67; P=0.61). Age; ECOG performance status; smoking history; pathology; EGFR or ALK mutation status; and the presence of liver, adrenal, or brain metastases were associated with overall survival.ConclusionsPalliative radiotherapy was effective for patients with advanced lung cancer, although response rates varied by patient characteristics and treatment indication. This study identified prognostic factors for radiotherapy response and overall survival that can inform treatment decisions in this population.

Clinical outcomes of patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC developing interstitial lung disease during first-line osimertinib therapy: a sub-analysis of the Reiwa study.

Osimertinib-induced interstitial lung disease in untreated EGFR-mutated, advanced non-small cell lung cancer is being reported at a higher rate in Japan than elsewhere. However, data on the interstitial lung disease incidence during first-line osimertinib therapy and the course of lung cancer treatments administered after interstitial lung disease onset in the real-world setting are scarce. The present study reviewed the data from the Reiwa study, a multicentric, observational study examining the efficacy and safety of first-line osimertinib therapy in the clinical setting. Patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer who began osimertinib therapy between September 2018 and August 2020 were enrolled and followed until August 2022. Among 583 patients receiving first-line osimertinib therapy, 75 (12.8%) had interstitial lung disease development, and 18 (3.0%) had at least grade 3 interstitial lung disease. Fifty-nine patients (78%) received some form of treatment following interstitial lung disease onset. An epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor rechallenge was performed in 31 patients (41%), with 18 (24%) receiving osimertinib again. Interstitial lung disease recurred in five (28%) of these 18 patients, none of 13 patients receiving another type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and seven (25%) of 28 patients receiving chemotherapy and/or immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The median overall survival after the initial osimertinib therapy was 38.4months and 12.2months for patients with interstitial lung disease grade 1-2 and grade 3-4, respectively (hazard ratio: 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.20-0.70; P=0.002). Patients with interstitial lung disease grade 3-4 had poorer survival during the first-line osimertinib therapy. A substantial risk of interstitial lung disease recurrence was associated with post-osimertinib therapy. Trial registration code: UMIN000038683.

Weight loss in patients on osimertinib for metastatic EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer.

Cachexia is characterized by weight loss and decline in muscle mass and function and is a poor prognostic factor among patients with cancer. Patients with metastatic EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) derive remarkable survival benefits with osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It is not known whether patients treated with osimertinib experience any weight loss or whether weight loss impacts patient outcomes. Therefore, we sought to describe the frequency and consequences of weight loss in this patient population. We conducted a single-center retrospective pilot study of 56 patients treated with first-line osimertinib for metastatic EGFR-mutant NSCLC. We defined on-treatment weight loss as a loss of ≥5% body weight at 6 or 12 months of treatment. We described the characteristics of patients with and without on-treatment weight loss and differences in progression-free survival (PFS), time on treatment with osimertinib, and overall survival (OS). Forty-six percent (n = 26) of patients met the criteria for on-treatment weight loss. There were no significant differences in patient or disease characteristics between patients with and without weight loss. Compared to patients without weight loss, patients with weight loss had similar PFS and time on treatment with osimertinib. Yet, patients with weight loss had significantly worse overall survival (HR 4.91, 95% CI, 1.56-15.5, P = .007). Weight loss was observed in nearly half of patients with metastatic EGFR-mutant NSCLC treated with osimertinib, and patients with weight loss had significantly worse overall survival.