Exploring the Efficacy of Osimertinib and Stereotactic Ablative Radiation in EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer Treatment

Dr. Erminia Massarelli, from the City of Hope in Duarte, California, recently discussed the findings of a phase II study on utilizing osimertinib (Tagrisso) in combination with consolidative stereotactic ablative radiation (SABR) for the treatment of advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting, shedding light on the potential benefits of this treatment approach.

The study included 43 patients with untreated EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer with metastatic, incurable disease. Patients were divided into two groups, one receiving osimertinib alone and the other receiving osimertinib along with SABR to all existing disease sites after 8 weeks of treatment. The results compared to historical controls showed promising outcomes in terms of progression-free survival and overall survival. The group that received the combination therapy demonstrated an improvement in progression-free survival to approximately 32 months and overall survival to 42 months, compared to the control group.

Despite the positive results observed in the study, it’s essential to acknowledge the limitations, including the small sample size. The study’s findings suggest that early intervention with SABR post-osimertinib treatment could benefit patients in the long run by minimizing resistant cells. Moreover, the manageable toxicity profile, with only a 2% incidence of pneumonitis and other minor side effects such as hyponatremia, skin toxicity, and diarrhea, makes this treatment approach a potentially viable option for patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

The combination of osimertinib and SABR shows promise in improving outcomes for patients with advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. While further research with a larger sample size is warranted to validate the results and explore potential applications in clinical practice, this study provides valuable insights into an innovative treatment approach with manageable side effects. The findings open doors for future investigations and advancements in personalized therapy for lung cancer patients.