Combatting acquired resistance to osimertinib in EGFR-mutant lung cancer

Jiyun Lee1, Zofia Piotrowska2, Ross Soo3

  • 1Lung cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Insights

Acquired resistance to osimertinib, a targeted therapy for EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer, necessitates new treatment strategies. This review explores resistance mechanisms and emerging therapies, including bispecific antibodies and immunotherapy, to improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Activating mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) drive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and personalized medicine.
  • Osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor, is a preferred first-line treatment for EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
  • Acquired resistance to osimertinib is a significant clinical challenge, necessitating the development of alternative treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of osimertinib resistance mechanisms in NSCLC.
  • To explore established and emerging treatment strategies for patients progressing on first-line osimertinib.
  • To discuss novel approaches, including bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapy, and management of brain metastases.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of osimertinib resistance mechanisms.
  • Analysis of current and emerging treatment strategies for EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
  • Discussion of clinical trials and future perspectives in combination therapies.

Main Results:

  • Multiple EGFR-dependent and -independent mechanisms contribute to osimertinib resistance.
  • Emerging strategies include targeting resistance pathways, novel antibody-based therapies, and immunotherapy integration.
  • Management of specific scenarios like isolated brain progression requires tailored approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
  • Combination therapies and novel agents show promise in overcoming osimertinib resistance.
  • Future research and clinical trials are essential to optimize treatment for EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

Related Concept Videos

Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.4K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.8K
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
6.6K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.0K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
7.9K
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists01:18

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists

Endothelins (ETs) are potent vasoactive peptides critical in the human body's various physiological and pathological processes. One of the most promising therapeutic strategies for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) involves counteracting the effects of these endothelins using a class of drugs known as endothelin receptor antagonists.
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
215