Efficacy

Efficacy of Tagrisso (Osimertinib) in Lung Cancer

Tagrisso (osimertinib) is a third-generation, irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor specifically designed for the treatment of certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is particularly effective in patients whose tumors have specific mutations in the EGFR gene, known as T790M mutations, which are associated with resistance to earlier-generation EGFR inhibitors. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Tagrisso is effective in improving progression-free survival in patients with these mutations. Additionally, Tagrisso has shown efficacy in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC that have exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations in the EGFR gene.

One of the pivotal phase III trials, the FLAURA study, compared osimertinib to standard EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations. The results showed a significant improvement in progression-free survival for patients treated with osimertinib. Moreover, Tagrisso has also been found to have central nervous system (CNS) activity, which is critical for treating patients with brain metastases, a common complication of advanced NSCLC.

Efficacy of Portrazza (Necitumumab) in Lung Cancer

Portrazza (necitumumab) is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). It is used in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The approval of necitumumab was based on a multicenter, randomized, open-label clinical trial, which demonstrated an improvement in overall survival when added to the standard chemotherapy regimen.

However, it is important to note that the efficacy of necitumumab is specific to squamous NSCLC and does not extend to non-squamous NSCLC. The SQUIRE trial, which led to the approval of necitumumab, showed a modest but statistically significant improvement in overall survival for patients with advanced squamous NSCLC when necitumumab was added to chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. Despite this, the use of necitumumab is associated with certain adverse effects, and its use must be carefully considered against the potential benefits in the context of individual patient health profiles.