Osimertinib for the Treatment of EGFR Mutated Lung Cancer Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most commonly diagnosed type of lung cancer,
accounting for about 80% of all lung cancer cases. EGFR-mutated NSCLC is a subtype of NSCLC caused by a genetic mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. This mutation allows cancer cells to grow and spread faster. In patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC, the mutation causes the EGFR protein to be overactive, which causes the cancer cells to grow and divide more quickly than normal. This makes the cancer more aggressive and difficult to treat.
Osimertinib (Osimert) is a new drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Blocking the EGFR T790M mutation, which is one of the most common mutations in NSCLC, stops cancer cells from growing and improves survival rates by blocking the action of the mutation. is highly effective and has few side effects compared to other treatments. It also has the potential to be a first-line treatment for some patients.
Both first-line and second-line treatment of EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC who had progressed on other treatments were shown to have a progression-free survival (PFS) that was 10.1 months longer with Osimertinib in a clinical trial. It is the period from the start of treatment until the patient dies or the cancer progresses.
is also well tolerated. Side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and can be managed with medication.
In cases of EGFR-mutated NSCLC, talk to your doctor about whether may be right for you. has been shown to prolong life and improve the quality of life for EGFR-mutated cancer patients.
How Does Osimertinib Work?
The EGFR T790M mutation causes the EGFR protein to become more active, which leads to uncontrolled cell growth. inhibits kinases, which help cells grow and divide. Blocking the action of the EGFR T790M mutation stops cancer cells from growing. In addition to treating non-small cell lung cancer that has spread and is caused by the EGFR T790M mutation, can be used to treat certain types of thyroid cancer as well. Osimertinib is also known as a targeted therapy because it targets specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.
What are the Side Effects of Osimertinib?
The most common side effects:
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Rash
- Dry skin
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Increased liver enzymes
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Bone marrow suppression
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a serious skin reaction)
Who Can Take Osimertinib?
Osimertinib is approved by the FDA to treat adult patients with EGFR mutations with NSCLC.
How is Osimertinib administered?
Osimertinib is taken as a tablet. It is usually taken once daily. It should be taken at the same time each day, with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
What is the cost of Osimertinib?
In general, the cost can vary depending on the dosage and the pharmacy it is purchased from. On average, costs around $15,000 per month, depending on the dosage and pharmacy.
Tagrisso is a prescription medication used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread and is caused by the EGFR T790M mutation. It is also used to treat certain types of thyroid cancer. Kinases help cells grow and divide. The EGFR T790M mutation makes the EGFR protein more active, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Osimertinib blocks the EGFR T790M mutation, which stops cancer cells.
Tagrisso was approved by the FDA in 2015. It is available as a tablet taken once daily. Tagrisso side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and can be managed with medication.
If you have been diagnosed with NSCLC or thyroid cancer, talk to your doctor about whether Tagrisso is right for you. Tagrisso has been shown to prolong life and improve the quality of life for patients with these cancer types.
Conclusion
It has been shown that is well tolerated and extends the survival period in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC who have progressed on previous treatments. It is a new, effective treatment option for EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Talk to your doctor about whether is appropriate for you if you have been diagnosed with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. It is important to note that not all patients will respond to Osimertinib and it is not recommended for all types of lung cancer. Additionally, there are potential side effects to consider before beginning treatment. Speak to your doctor to discuss all treatment options available to you.