Central Nervous System Outcomes of Lazertinib Versus Gefitinib in EGFR-Mutated Advanced NSCLC: A LASER301 Subset Analysis

Comparative analysis of the lumboperitoneal shunt versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt for leptomeningeal metastasis-associated hydrocephalus in non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM)-associated hydrocephalus is a rare but severe complication of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The spread of malignant cells to the leptomeninges obstructs cerebrospinal fluid flow and increases intracranial pressure (ICP). This study compared the outcomes of lumboperitoneal (LP) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgeries in managing LM-associated hydrocephalus, focusing on symptom-free periods (SFPs) and overall survival (OS).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 NSCLC patients with LM-associated hydrocephalus who underwent shunt surgery between 2017 and 2024. Patients were classified into LP (n = 23) and VP (n = 20) groups. Clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and survival rates were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses. Karnofsky performance status (KPS), increased intracranial pressure (IICP) symptoms, and postoperative epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) treatment were evaluated for prognostic significance.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between VP and LP shunt surgeries regarding SFP (VP: 5.02 ± 1.29 months, LP: 7.50 ± 2.86 months, p = 0.906) or OS (VP: 8.43 ± 1.89 months, LP: 9.62 ± 3.20 months, p = 0.820). High preoperative KPS, absence of ICP symptoms, and postoperative EGFR-TKI treatment were significantly associated with improved SFP and OS (p < 0.05). LP shunt surgery had shorter anesthesia and fewer complications compared to VP shunt surgery, representing a viable option for patients unsuitable for general anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

LP and VP shunt surgeries are equally effective for patients with LM-associated hydrocephalus in NSCLC. LP shunt surgery under local anesthesia could be recommended for its safety and patient acceptability. Favorable prognostic factors, including high KPS, absence of ICP, and postoperative EGFR-TKI treatment, should guide individualized treatment strategies to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Updates on the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant non-small cell lung cancer

This review provides a comprehensive update on the evolving landscape of treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, particularly focusing on advances in precision medicine and overcoming acquired resistance. Initial success with first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in EGFR-mutated NSCLC has paved the way for precision oncology and subsequent development of third-generation EGFR TKIs, the current standard of care as first-line therapy in advanced stage NSCLC. Furthermore, a combinational approach of third-generation EGFR TKI with chemotherapy or amivantamab was associated with prolonged progression-free survival. The role of EGFR TKIs also has been investigated in locally advanced and early stage NSCLC, including perioperative and neoadjuvant settings. However, most patients experience acquired resistance, and the resistance mechanism is quite complex and heterogeneous, highlighting the importance of tailored subsequent therapeutic approaches. Overall, this review underscores the dynamic landscape of EGFR-mutated NSCLC treatment, emphasizing the need for personalized strategies to optimize patient outcomes.

First-line zorifertinib for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer with central nervous system metastases: The phase 3 EVEREST trial

BACKGROUND

Zorifertinib (AZD3759), an epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) with high blood-brain barrier penetration capability, demonstrated promising intracranial and systemic antitumor activity in phase 1 and 2 studies in central nervous system (CNS)-metastatic patients.

METHODS

In this phase 3 EVEREST trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03653546), patients with EGFR-sensitizing mutations, advanced treatment-naive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and non-irradiated symptomatic or asymptomatic CNS metastases were randomized (1:1) to zorifertinib or first-generation EGFR-TKI (gefitinib or erlotinib; control). The primary endpoint was blinded independent central review (BICR)-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) per RECIST1.1.

FINDINGS

Overall, 439 patients were randomized (zorifertinib n = 220; control n = 219). Most patients had the EGFR L858R mutation (55%) or >3 CNS lesions (54%). Median PFS was significantly longer with zorifertinib versus control (9.6 versus 6.9 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.719; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.580-0.893; p = 0.0024). Zorifertinib significantly prolonged intracranial PFS versus control (BICR per modified RECIST1.1: HR, 0.467; 95% CI, 0.352-0.619; investigator per RANO-BM: HR, 0.627; 95% CI, 0.466-0.844). Overall survival (OS) was immature; the estimated median OS was 37.3 months with zorifertinib and 31.8 months with control (HR, 0.833; 95% CI, 0.524-1.283) in patients subsequently treated with third-generation EGFR-TKIs. Safety profiles were consistent with previously reported data for zorifertinib.

CONCLUSIONS

Zorifertinib significantly improved systemic and intracranial PFS versus first-generation EGFR-TKIs; adverse events were manageable. Sequential use of zorifertinib and third-generation EGFR-TKIs showed the potential to prolong patients' survival. The results favor zorifertinib as a novel, well-validated first-line option for CNS-metastatic patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

FUNDING

This work was funded by Alpha Biopharma (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., China.

Cost-effectiveness of lazertinib as first-line treatment in patients with EGFR-mutated advanced lung cancer

Background

Lazertinib demonstrates efficacy similar to that of osimertinib in the first-line treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated advanced lung cancer. However, its cost-effectiveness has not yet been evaluated.

Objective

To study the cost-effectiveness of lazertinib as a first-line treatment for patients with EGFR-mutated advanced lung cancer.

Design

A partitioned survival model-based cost-effectiveness analysis.

Methods

We conducted the economic analysis from the perspective of the healthcare sector with a lifetime horizon. Simulated patients were entered into the models upon the diagnosis of EGFR-mutated advanced lung cancer. Lazertinib was compared with gefitinib. The model inputs were derived from the trials (survival outcomes, incidence of adverse events (AEs), and subsequent therapies), National Health Insurance payments (costs of drugs and AEs), and hospital cohorts (utility values). Deterministic and probabilistic analyses were also conducted.

Results

Applying the same daily price of osimertinib (US$110) to that of lazertinib, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of lazertinib versus gefitinib was US$93,792 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). The cost of lazertinib was a major determinant. If the daily price of lazertinib could be reduced to US$75, lazertinib would become cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of US$70,000 per QALY. Given the WTP threshold, the probability that lazertinib would be cost-effective was 0.7%.

Conclusion

Lazertinib is not a cost-effective first-line treatment for EGFR-mutated advanced lung cancer. Lowering prices enables cost-effectiveness.

The efficacy of continuing osimertinib with platinum pemetrexed chemotherapy upon progression in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer harboring sensitizing EGFR mutations

INTRODUCTION

For patients with EGFR mutant NSCLC who progress on osimertinib, the clinical benefit of continuing osimertinib with next line platinum pemetrexed chemotherapy remains unknown.

METHODS

In this international, multi-center, retrospective cohort study, a total of 159 patients with EGFR mutant NSCLC who progressed on osimertinib and received platinum-pemetrexed therapy on progression from 2013 to 2023 were included. The data cutoff was December 31, 2023. Data analysis was conducted from January 2024 to June 2024. The primary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods. Multivariable Cox regression adjusting for patient-specific and cancer-specific factors was performed.

RESULTS

421 patients with EGFR mutant NSCLC with progression on osimertinib were identified, of which159 patients who met pre-specified inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: Cohort 1 (osimertinib + platinum-pemetrexed) included 50 patients (median [IQR] age, 59 [30 - 83] years; 36 [72.0 %] female; 11 [22.4 %] Asian) and Cohort 2 (platinum-pemetrexed alone) included 109 patients (median [IQR] age, 54 [25 - 80] years; 62 [56.9 %] female; 74 [64.9 %] Asian). Most patients were never smokers (Cohort 1, 37 [74.0 %]; Cohort 2, 66 [60.6 %]). One third of patients had baseline brain metastases (Cohort 1, 19 [38.0 %]; Cohort 2, 36 [38.3 %]). Both cohorts had a median of two prior lines of anti-cancer therapy. The addition of bevacizumab or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) to next-line platinum-pemetrexed chemotherapy was more common in Cohort 2 (bevacizumab use, 30.3 % vs 8.0 %, p = 0.002; ICI use, 33.0 % vs 2.0 %, p = 0.001). With a median duration of follow up of 30 months, there was a significant PFS benefit to continuing osimertinib with next line platinum pemetrexed chemotherapy (9.0 vs 4.5 months; HR 0.49, 95 % CI 0.32 - 0.74, p = 0.0032), also seen in subset analyses of patients who received first line osimertinib (n = 55, 11.0 vs 6.2 months; HR 0.41, 95 % CI 0.25 - 0.73, p = 0.002). Among patients with EGFR mutant NSCLC without brain metastases after progression on osimertinib, we found that continuing osimertinib with next line platinum pemetrexed significantly reduced the median time to CNS progression (n = 38; 7.0 vs 4.1 months; HR 0.47, 95 % CI 0.48 - 0.98, p = 0.01). After adjusted analysis, there was no significant OS difference between Cohorts 1 and 2 (19 months vs 13 months; HR 0.92, 95 % CI 0.60 - 1.39, p = 0.68).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

For patients with EGFR mutant NSCLC who progress on osimertinib, there is a significant PFS, but not OS, benefit to continuing osimertinib with next line platinum pemetrexed chemotherapy. The continuation of osimertinib with next line platinum pemetrexed chemotherapy appears to reduce the risk of CNS progression.

Central nervous system metastases in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A review of the therapeutic landscape

Up to 40% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) develop central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Current treatments for this subgroup of patients with advanced NSCLC include local therapies (surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and, less frequently, whole-brain radiotherapy), targeted therapies for oncogene-addicted NSCLC (small molecules, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (as monotherapy or combination therapy), with multiple new drugs in development. However, confirming the intracranial activity of these treatments has proven to be challenging, given that most lung cancer clinical trials exclude patients with untreated and/or progressing CNS metastases, or do not include prespecified CNS-related endpoints. Here we review progress in the treatment of patients with CNS metastases originating from NSCLC, examining local treatment options, systemic therapies, and multimodal therapeutic strategies. We also consider challenges regarding assessment of treatment response and provide thoughts around future directions for managing CNS disease in patients with advanced NSCLC.

First-line treatment of EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluates first-line treatment options for patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and brain metastases. We analyzed 24 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2,682 patients, comparing various EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and combination therapies. Direct comparisons showed that the addition of bevacizumab or chemotherapy to first-generation (1G) EGFR-TKIs improved overall survival (OS) compared to 1G TKIs alone, with HRs of 0.704 (95% CI: 0.433-0.973) and 0.682 (95% CI: 0.464-0.899), respectively. However, third-generation (3G) TKI monotherapy did not significantly improve OS compared with 1G TKIs, with an HR of 0.855 (95% CI: 0.511-1.198). Indirect comparisons suggested that the combination of 3G TKIs with chemotherapy provided the most significant improvements in OS and progression-free survival (PFS), significantly outperforming 3G TKIs, with HRs of OS 1.69 (95% CI: 1.14-3.4) and PFS 2.13 (95% CI: 1.28-3.54). Intracranial PFS was best with 1G TKIs plus bevacizumab. Our findings suggest that 3G EGFR-TKIs in combination with chemotherapy may be the most effective strategy for patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and brain metastases, though further head-to-head trials are needed for validation.

Lazertinib in EGFR-Variant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With CNS Failure to Prior EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

Importance

EGFR-variant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with a high rate of central nervous system (CNS) metastases, even with treatment with first-generation or second-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Objective

To investigate CNS activity with lazertinib, a third-generation EGFR TKI.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter single-arm, phase 2 nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted in South Korea and included patients with EGFR-variant NSCLC who had asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic brain metastases after unsuccessful treatment with first-generation or second-generation EGFR TKIs. Data were collected from June 2021 to April 2022, with a data cutoff date of December 15, 2022.

Exposure

Lazertinib, 240 mg, once daily.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was intracranial objective response rate (iORR) in the evaluable population according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours version 1.1 assessed by the investigators. Secondary end points included intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS) and iORR in patients with T790M-negative disease and isolated CNS progression as well as overall ORR, duration of response, intracranial duration of response, disease control rate, overall survival, cerebrospinal fluid penetration of lazertinib, and safety.

Results

Among 40 included patients, 25 (63%) were women, and the median (range) age was 63 (29-85) years. A total of 38 patients were evaluable for tumor response, including 12 patients with leptomeningeal metastases. At data cutoff, the median (range) follow-up was 13.6 (2.9-17.7) months. The iORR for the evaluable population was 55% (21 of 38; 95% CI, 38.3-71.4); for patients with T790M-positive disease, 80% (4 of 5; 95% CI, 28.4-99.5); for patients with T790M-negative disease, 43% (9 of 21; 95% CI, 21.8-66.0); and for patients with T790M-unknown disease, 67% (8 of 12; 95% CI, 34.9-90.1). The median iPFS was 15.8 months (95% CI, 15.2-not reached) for the evaluable population, 15.2 months (95% CI, 4.2-not reached) for the T790M-positive subgroup, 15.4 months (95% CI, 7.9-not reached) for the T790M-negative subgroup, and 18.0 months (95% CI, 3.9-not reached) for the T790M-unknown subgroup. The cerebrospinal fluid penetration rate of lazertinib was 46.2% (95% CI, 10.0-49.6), providing further support for its mechanism of intracranial response. Most adverse events were grade 1 or 2.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, lazertinib had substantial CNS activity, regardless of T790M status, against the progression of intracranial metastases with or without leptomeningeal metastases after unsuccessful treatment with first-generation or second-generation EGFR TKIs in patients with metastatic EGFR-variant NSCLC. These results suggest that using lazertinib instead of brain local treatment could be a potential strategy in patients with EGFR-variant NSCLC whose CNS metastases progressed after prior EGFR TKI treatment.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05326425.

Central nervous system efficacy of aumolertinib versus gefitinib in patients with untreated, EGFR-mutated, advanced non-small cell lung cancer: data from a randomized phase III trial (AENEAS)

BACKGROUND

The initial randomized, double-blinded, actively controlled, phase III ANEAS study (NCT03849768) demonstrated that aumolertinib showed superior efficacy relative to gefitinib as first-line therapy in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Metastatic disease in the central nervous system (CNS) remains a challenge in the management of NSCLC. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of aumolertinib versus gefitinib among patients with baseline CNS metastases in the ANEAS study.

METHODS

Eligible patients were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to orally receive either aumolertinib or gefitinib in a double-blinded fashion. Patients with asymptomatic, stable CNS metastases were included. Follow-up imaging of the same modality as the initial CNS imaging was performed every 6 weeks for 15 months, then every 12 weeks. CNS response was assessed by a neuroradiological blinded, independent central review (neuroradiological-BICR). The primary endpoint for this subgroup analysis was CNS progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Of the 429 patients enrolled and randomized in the ANEAS study, 106 patients were found to have CNS metastases (CNS Full Analysis Set, cFAS) at baseline by neuroradiological-BICR, and 60 of them had CNS target lesions (CNS Evaluable for Response, cEFR). Treatment with aumolertinib significantly prolonged median CNS PFS compared with gefitinib in both cFAS (29.0 vs. 8.3 months; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.56; P < 0.001) and cEFR (29.0 vs. 8.3 months; HR = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.11-0.57; P < 0.001). The confirmed CNS overall response rate in cEFR was 85.7% and 75.0% in patients treated with aumolertinib and gefitinib, respectively. Competing risk analysis showed that the estimated probability of CNS progression without prior non-CNS progression or death was consistently lower with aumolertinib than with gefitinib in patients with and without CNS metastases at baseline. No new safety findings were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate a potential advantage of aumolertinib over gefitinib in terms of CNS PFS and the risk of CNS progression in patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC with baseline CNS metastases.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03849768.

First-line concomitant EGFR-TKI + chemotherapy versus EGFR-TKI alone for advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC: a meta-analysis of randomized phase III trials

INTRODUCTION

A tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) is indicated as a first-line treatment for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring an epidermal growth-factor - receptor (EGFR) mutation. Chemotherapy (ChT) given in combination with an EGFR-TKI in this setting is of interest.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis of phase III randomized trials comparing EGFR-TKI + ChT vs. EGFR-TKI alone as first-line therapy for advanced NSCLC harboring an activating EGFR mutation.

RESULTS

Three studies evaluated gefitinib + ChT (NEJ009, GAP-Brain, and Noronha et al.) and another evaluated osimertinib + ChT (FLAURA-2). Those four eligible studies included 1413 patients with non-squamous NSCLCs, 826 (58%) with an exon-19 deletion (ex19del) and 541 (38%) with EGFRL858R. The EGFR-TKI + ChT combination was significantly associated with prolonged PFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45-0.59]; p < 0.0001) and OS (HR: 0.69 [0.52-0.93]; p = 0.01). PFS was particularly improved for patients with brain metastases (HR: 0.41[0.33-0.51]; p < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with untreated, advanced, EGFR-mutated NSCLCs, the EGFR-TKI + ChT combination, compared to EGFR-TKI alone, was associated with significantly prolonged PFS and OS. However, further studies are needed to identify which patients will benefit the most from the combination.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42024508055.

New Treatment Options for Patients With Oncogene-Addicted Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Focusing on EGFR-Mutant Tumors

Druggable oncogene-driven non-small cell lung cancer has led to innovative systemic treatment options, improving patients' outcome. This benefit is not only achieved in the metastatic setting but also in the postsurgical setting, such as in lung cancers harboring a common sensitizing EGFR mutation or ALK-rearrangement. To enhance the outcome of these patients, we need to understand the mechanisms of acquired resistance and evaluate the role of new drugs with novel mechanisms of action in the treatment landscape. In this chapter, we review treatment strategies of EGFR-mutant tumors in all stages, the mechanisms of acquired strategies, and novel therapies in this subset.