Efficacy

Tagrisso (Osimertinib) Efficacy in Lung Cancer

Tagrisso (osimertinib) is a third-generation, irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) that has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with specific EGFR mutations. It is particularly effective in patients with NSCLC harboring T790M mutations, which often occur as a resistance mechanism to earlier-generation EGFR TKIs. Clinical trials have demonstrated that osimertinib is effective in both first-line treatment and in patients who have developed resistance to initial EGFR TKI therapy. In the FLAURA trial, osimertinib significantly improved progression-free survival compared to standard EGFR TKIs in the first-line treatment of EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC.

Osimertinib has also shown efficacy in treating central nervous system (CNS) metastases, a common complication in advanced NSCLC. Its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier allows for more effective targeting of brain metastases, which is a notable advantage over some other EGFR TKIs. This has led to improved outcomes and quality of life for patients with metastatic disease involving the CNS.

Afinitor (Everolimus) Efficacy in Lung Cancer

Afinitor (everolimus) is an mTOR inhibitor that has been studied in various types of tumors, including lung cancer. In the context of lung cancer, everolimus has been evaluated primarily in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer after the failure of previous chemotherapy regimens. The RADIANT-4 trial demonstrated that everolimus provided a modest increase in progression-free survival in patients with advanced, progressive, non-functional neuroendocrine tumors of lung origin, although its role in the management of typical NSCLC is limited.

Everolimus's efficacy in lung cancer is not as well established as osimertinib's, and its use is generally considered in a different context, often when other therapies have failed or in specific types of lung tumors, such as neuroendocrine tumors. The side effect profile and the specific niche it occupies in the treatment landscape for lung cancer mean that everolimus is typically not a first-line treatment for NSCLC but may be considered in certain circumstances where other therapies are not suitable or have been exhausted.