First Targeted Adjuvant Therapy for EGFR Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (stage IB-IIIA)

[Miranda_GO2]

On December 18th, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tagrisso (osimertinib) for the adjuvant treatment of stage IB-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has been surgically removed, when the cancer has a change in EGFR. The FDA based their approval on the results of the clinical trial ADAURA which showed that patients receiving Tagrisso (osimertinib) lived longer without a recurrence than patients who did not take the drug.

This is the first approval of a targeted therapy that a person with lung cancer would take in the adjuvant setting –after surgery, to prevent the cancer from recurring. This is different from many other FDA approvals that are only for stage IV metastatic cancer. Tagrisso (osimertinib) being available for patients without metastatic disease creates a new opportunity for early stage patients whose cancer has a driver mutation to receive targeted adjuvant therapy where before the only options were chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Read the full FDA press release: fda.gov/drugs/drug-approval...

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

This is great! It could be a major game changer.

[KT22]

How I wish that had been available for my poor husband.

[Miranda_GO2 Partner in reply to KT22]

I'm sorry to hear this. While there as a been so much progress in the science of cancer treatments, it never feels like the advancements come soon enough. Sending a virtual hug.

[KT22 in reply to Miranda_GO2]

Sadly the oncologist let my husband down badly ignoring referrals from our GP. He effectively killed my husband.

[Miranda_GO2 Partner in reply to KT22]

I'm so sorry. Do you live in the UK?

[KT22 in reply to Miranda_GO2]

Yes in the south west,

[Miranda_GO2 Partner in reply to KT22]

Have you connected with Roy Castle for additional emotional support? They are a wonderful resource.

[KT22 in reply to Miranda_GO2]

I didn’t know they offered bereavement help. I have tried other bereavement counselling but sadly it didn’t help me as it’s only on the phone. I desperately need face to face ...I’m very lonely & don’t have anyone local as my fantastic sons live a long way away, I literally am getting by an hour at a time surviving on 3 hours sleep. My GP is supportive but can’t do anymore for me as I’m already on medications. I just cry all the time.

[Miranda_GO2 Partner in reply to KT22]

To my knowledge, Roy Castle refers to the National Bereavement Service: thenbs.org/. I know this time of social distancing makes in person so difficult but I'm wondering if NBS might know of some support options in your area. Would it be possible to visit your son during this especially difficult time?

[KT22 in reply to Miranda_GO2]

One lives 200 miles away & the other 350! I don’t drive out of my town. They will come to me in an emergency but with current restrictions they can’t come to visit. I can’t stay with them either as I’m not allowed to leave my tier! Thank you for the link I’ll take a look. I’m literally existing hour by hour it’s unbelievably hard & heartbreaking.

[Dariada]

Would it ever be considered for stage 1a?

[Miranda_GO2 Partner in reply to Dariada]

While I can't say with any certainty, I would say there is a good chance. Right now that approval was just based on the specific trial data starting with IB, but there are also studies taking place that are looking at the use of Tagrisso before surgery (neoadjuvant) too, so it's not clear what future recommendations may be...to be continued as the knowledge grows.

[kri312]

Do you need PDL > 1% to be eligible?

[Miranda_GO2 Partner in reply to kri312]

PDL1 is more immunotherapy, this approval is for a targeted therapy. To find out if someone can take tagrisso after surgery their surgeon or oncologist would have to order biomarker testing. Ideally this testing would be comprehensive but they would be specifically looking to see if a person has EGFR to see if Tagrisso would be recommended with this approval. Feel free to reach out to our helpline at 1800298-2436 if you want to talk more about this.

[kri312 in reply to Miranda_GO2]

Thank you

[kri312 in reply to Miranda_GO2]

If EFGR +stage 1 b are you eligbile? How long do you or can you stay on this?

[Miranda_GO2 Partner in reply to kri312]

If someone has the cancer removed and it is EGFR+ staged at IB the oncologist should talk about Tagrisso following surgery. Typically a person remains on Tagrisso for three years but more data is coming out so some people are deciding to stay on it longer.

I will note this treatment is usually start within a couple months after surgery, it's not typically something they give if you are years out from surgery unless you have further treatment needs.

[kri312 in reply to Miranda_GO2]

Is there a negative staying on long that it will become resistant? Typical side effects? daily pill? Data show reduced recurrence rates is why it is prescribed?

[kri312 in reply to Miranda_GO2]

Surgery was 10/18 and have meeting with Onc 11/7

[Miranda_GO2 Partner in reply to kri312]

How are you feeling? I hope your recovery is going well. Here is a link to an ASCO article explains the answer to some of your questions: ascopost.com/news/june-2023...

Tagrisso does have potential side effects. I'll include information about it here: chemocare.com/druginfo/tagr...

[kri312]

Thank you - still have heimlich valve in due to PAL and pneumothorax. Going back Friday hopefully remove. Pain in the insetion site has been difficult at times. Thank you for asking.