Third generation vs first generation EGFR-TKIs in the first line treatment for EGFR-mutated locally advanced or

Wenjie Hu1, Yi Qin1, Taoming Dong1

  • 1Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Jingdezhen, Jingdezhen, China.

Journal of Cancer
|January 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Third-generation EGFR-TKIs (TGET) show improved survival and response in advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC compared to first-generation EGFR-TKIs (FGET). However, TGETs are associated with a higher incidence of severe adverse events, requiring careful patient management.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • The prevailing belief suggests third-generation EGFR-TKIs (TGET) are superior to first-generation EGFR-TKIs (FGET) for advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
  • This belief lacks robust evidence-based substantiation.
  • A meta-analysis was conducted to rigorously compare the efficacy and safety of TGET versus FGET.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of third-generation EGFR-TKIs (TGET) against first-generation EGFR-TKIs (FGET).
  • To evaluate endpoints including progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and central nervous system PFS (CNS-PFS).
  • To assess treatment responses and adverse events (AEs) associated with both TKI generations.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search across seven databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  • Analysis of 15 studies from 6 RCTs involving six third-generation TKIs (Osimertinib, Lazertinib, Furmonertinib, Aumolertinib, Naquotinib, Befotertinib).
  • Primary endpoints included PFS, OS, CNS-PFS, objective response rates (ORR), and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • TGET demonstrated superior efficacy in PFS (HR: 0.55), CNS-PFS (HR: 0.48), CNS-ORR (RR: 1.40), and DOR (HR: 0.52) compared to FGET.
  • While OS, ORR, and total AEs were similar, TGETs showed a higher incidence of severe adverse events (RR: 1.17).
  • Specific grade 3-4 AEs were more frequent with TGET, including diarrhea, rash, and decreased platelet count, but less frequent for ALT/AST elevation.

Conclusions:

  • Third-generation EGFR-TKIs (TGET), excluding Naquotinib, are superior to FGET for advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC, improving survival and response rates.
  • The increased incidence of severe adverse events with TGET necessitates careful monitoring and management strategies.
  • Further research may explore optimizing TGET use to mitigate adverse effects while maximizing therapeutic benefits.