Drug 'Osimertinib' Provides New Hope to Lung Cancer Patients
Key Highlights :
Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and it can be a devastating diagnosis for those affected. Fortunately, a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has revealed that a once-daily pill, Osimertinib, can halve the risk of death for those who take it after tumour-removal surgery.
The study, which was conducted by a global team of researchers, randomly assigned eligible patients in a 1:1 ratio to receive Osimertinib (80mg once daily) or placebo until disease recurrence was observed. Of the 682 patients who underwent randomisation, 339 received Osimertinib and 343 received placebo.
The results of the study found that Osimertinib reduced the risk of death by 51% compared to placebo in both the primary analysis population. An estimated 85% of patients treated with Osimertinib were alive at five years compared to 73% on placebo, and 88% of patients treated with Osimertinib were alive at five years compared to 78% on placebo.
The study has provided a glimmer of hope to those affected by lung cancer. Roy S Herbst, Deputy Director and Chief of Medical Oncology at Yale Cancer Centre and Smilow Cancer Hospital, USA, commented on the findings, saying, “These highly anticipated overall survival results, with 88% of patients alive at five years, are a momentous achievement in the treatment of early-stage EGFR-mutated lung cancer. These data underscore that adjuvant treatment with Osimertinib provides patients with the best chance of long-term survival.”
Susan Galbraith, executive vice-president, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, also commented on the findings, saying, “Osimertinib cut the risk of death by more than half in the adjuvant setting, further establishing this transformative medicine as the backbone treatment for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung cancer. These results emphasise the importance of diagnosing patients with lung cancer early, testing for EGFR mutations and treating all those with an EGFR mutation with Tagrisso (Osimertinib).”
This study provides new hope for those affected by lung cancer, as it shows that taking Osimertinib after surgery can dramatically reduce the risk of death. While this is a promising development, it is important to note that further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of Osimertinib in treating lung cancer.
