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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Establishing Dual Resistance to EGFR-TKI and MET-TKI in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells In Vitro with a 2-step Dose-escalation Procedure
Published on: August 11, 2017
Tailored strategies to overcome third-generation TKI resistance in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer
Isabella Saporita1, Giovanni Farinea1, Elisa Lombardi1
1Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano, Turin, Italy.
Introduction:
In the era of precision medicine, targeting resistance mechanisms is a rational approach to optimize treatment management based on tumor molecular profiling, with the goal of improving clinical outcomes. However, the role of tailored strategies in the treatment algorithm of EGFR-mutated NSCLC remains incompletely defined.
Areas Covered:
This review provides an overview of resistance mechanisms to EGFR-targeted therapy. Acquired resistances include on-target alterations (EGFR C797S and other secondary kinase domain mutations), off-target pathways activation (MET or HER2 amplification, RAS-MAPK, oncogenic fusions), and neuroendocrine transformation to SCLC. Evidence from clinical and observational studies demonstrates activity of tailored therapies, such as EGFR plus MET inhibitors combinations. In parallel, mechanism-agnostic strategies, including bispecific antibodies and ADC have emerged as effective options in the post-osimertinib setting.
Expert Opinion:
Comprehensive molecular assessment through both tissue and liquid biopsy at EGFR-TKI progression is essential to identify actionable alterations and guide treatment decisions. When supported by Molecular Tumor Board discussion, biomarker-driven strategies could enable personalized treatment selection and provide effective chemotherapy-free options. Emergence of upfront combinations is reshaping the biological landscape of EGFR-TKI resistance, increasing the proportion of patients with unknown escape mechanisms and potentially affecting the feasibility of molecularly matched therapies in later lines.
Insights
Targeting resistance mechanisms in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is key for precision medicine. Tailored therapies and molecular profiling offer improved outcomes, but optimal strategies are still evolving.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Precision Medicine
Background:
- Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations drive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment.
- Resistance to EGFR-targeted therapy (EGFR-TKI) is a significant clinical challenge.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for optimizing NSCLC treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review resistance mechanisms to EGFR-targeted therapy in NSCLC.
- To discuss tailored and mechanism-agnostic strategies for managing EGFR-mutated NSCLC post-progression.
- To highlight the importance of molecular profiling in guiding treatment decisions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of resistance mechanisms to EGFR-targeted therapy.
- Analysis of clinical and observational studies on tailored and mechanism-agnostic strategies.
- Discussion of molecular assessment techniques and their role in treatment selection.
Main Results:
- Acquired resistance involves on-target EGFR alterations, off-target pathway activation (e.g., MET amplification), and neuroendocrine transformation.
- Combination therapies (e.g., EGFR plus MET inhibitors) show clinical activity.
- Bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are emerging options post-osimertinib.
- Upfront combinations may alter resistance patterns and impact later-line treatment feasibility.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive molecular profiling via tissue and liquid biopsy is essential at progression.
- Biomarker-driven strategies, supported by Molecular Tumor Boards, enable personalized, chemotherapy-free options.
- Evolving resistance landscapes necessitate adaptive treatment algorithms for EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
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