Treatment of EGFR T790M-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

A Visual Analysis of the Research Dynamics in Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors for NSCLC

Purpose

Activating mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been identified as key predictive biomarkers for the customized treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), aiding in improving patient response rates and survival. However, resistance challenges the efficacy of these treatments, with limited understanding of post-resistance therapeutic strategies. A deep understanding of the biology and resistance mechanisms of EGFR-mutant NSCLC is crucial for developing new treatment approaches. This study, through bibliometric analysis, summarizes the trends in research on resistance to EGFR-TKIs.

Methods

Research papers on NSCLC with EGFR inhibitor resistance were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The analysis utilized bibliometric tools like CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and other platforms for comprehensive analysis and visualization of the outcomes.

Results

The WoSCC database contains a total of 5866 documents on resistance to EGFR-TKIs treatment, including 4727 articles (93.48%) and 1139 reviews (6.52%), spanning 81 countries and regions, 4792 institutions, with the involvement of 23,594 authors. Since 2016, there has been a significant increase in publications in this field. China has the highest publication output, while the United States has the highest citation count for papers. Harvard University leads in terms of the number of publications. Among the top ten journals with the highest output, Clinical Cancer Research has the highest impact factor at 11.5, with 90% of the journals classified in Q1 or Q2. Rafael Rosell is one of the most influential authors in this field, ranking second in publication volume and fourth in citation count. Research on EGFR-TKIs resistance mainly focuses on genetic testing, resistance mechanisms, and post-resistance treatment strategies.

Conclusion

This study provides researchers with a reliable basis and guidance for finding authoritative references, understanding research trends, and exploring potential directions.

Next-generation sequencing-based detection in a breast MMPMN patient with EGFR T790M mutation: a rare case report and literature review

Multiple primary malignant neoplasms (MPMNs) are difficult to identify from the metastasis or recurrence of malignant tumors. Additionally, the genetic mutations in each primary tumor vary from each other; therefore, it is critical to explore potential abnormal genes. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has emerged as a reliable approach for detecting mutated genes in primary tumors and can provide several targeted therapeutic options for patients with MPMNs. Here, we report a case of metachronous multiple primary malignant neoplasm (MMPMN) patient with primary ovarian and breast cancer. Targeted NGS genetic profiling revealed a rare EGFR T790M mutation in this patient's primary breast tumor tissue, which has only been reported previously in breast cancer (BC). Based on the NGS results, osimertinib was recommended for this patient. Although this patient did not receive osimertinib because of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, this case highlights the significance of NGS technology in the diagnosis and treatment of MPMNs.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor T790M Mutation Testing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An International Collaborative Study to Assess Molecular EGFR T790M Testing in Liquid Biopsy

BACKGROUND

The detection of the EGFR T790M (T790M) mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who progressed under treatment with first- or second-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is important to offer a subsequent therapy with a third-generation EGFR-TKI. Liquid biopsy is a powerful tool to determine the T790M mutation status. Several liquid biopsy platforms with varying degrees of accuracy are available to test for T790M mutations, and sensitivities may differ among these methods.

METHODS

As no standard exists for the testing of T790M mutation in liquid biopsy, we performed a collaborative study to describe and compare the sensitivity of different in-house liquid biopsy platforms for the detection of the T790M mutation, EGFR exon 19 deletion (del19) and EGFR L858R mutation (L858R) across multiple participating laboratories in seven Central and Eastern European countries.

RESULTS

Of the 25 invited laboratories across Central and Eastern Europe, 21 centers participated and received 10 plasma samples spiked with cell-line DNA containing the T790M, del19, or L858R mutation in different concentrations. In-house PCR-based and NGS-based methods were used accordingly, and results were reported as in routine clinical practice. Two laboratories, which used the AmoyDx^® EGFR 29 Mutations Detection Kit (AmoyDx) with Cobas^® cfDNA Sample Preparation Kit and QX200 Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) with the QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acid Kit identified all ten samples correctly. Cobas^® EGFR Mutation Test v2 (Cobas), the NGS methods, and the Idylla^TM detection method used in this study performed within the known sensitivity range of each detection method.

CONCLUSIONS

If a negative result was obtained from methods with lower sensitivity (e.g., Cobas), repeated liquid biopsy testing and/or tissue biopsy analysis should be performed whenever possible, to identify T790M-positive patients to allow them to receive the optimal second-line treatment with a third-generation EGFR TKI.

Acquired resistance mechanisms to osimertinib: The constant battle

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Detectable driver mutations have now changed the course of lung cancer treatment with the emergence of targeted therapy as a novel strategy that widely improved lung cancer prognosis, especially in metastatic patients. Osimertinib (AZD9291) is an irreversible third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) used to treat stage IV EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer. It was initially designed to target both EGFR-activating mutations and the EGFR T790M mutation as well, which is the most common resistance mechanism to first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs. Following the FLAURA trial, osimertinib is now widely used in the first-line setting. However, resistance to osimertinib inevitably develops, with numerous mechanisms leading to its resistance, classified into two main categories: EGFR-dependent and EGFR-independent mechanisms. While EGFR-dependent mechanisms consist mainly of the C797S EGFR mutation, EGFR-independent mechanisms include bypass pathways, oncogenic fusions, and phenotypic transformation, among others. This review summarizes the molecular resistance mechanisms to osimertinib, with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic approaches to overcome osimertinib resistance and improve patient outcome.

A systematic analysis in efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab combined with chemoradiotherapy in treatment of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical effect of nitorzumab injection combined with chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODS

The databases, such as CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, China Biology Medicine (CBM), PubMed, Cochrane Library, Wiley Online Library, and Google Academic were searched. The randomized controlled trials (RCT) of nimotuzumab combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (experimental group) and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (control group) were searched. The between-group differences of objective remission rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and drug-related adverse reactions were analyzed by RevMan5.3 software.

RESULTS

Totally, 11 studies were included in meta-analysis, including 655 patients. All 11 articles mentioned random grouping and no blind method was used. The objective remission rate, disease control rate, and adverse drug reactions are given in 11 articles. In this study, 11 literatures were analyzed by fixed effect model after heterogeneity and sensitivity analysis. The meta analysis showed that in 10 literatures, the objective remission rate and disease control rate of patients in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.2-1.45, Z = 5.72, P < 0.00001); (RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.11, Z = 3.04, P = 0.002 < 0.01. There was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups (RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.79-1.15, Z = 0.52, P = 0.6 > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The efficacy and safety of nituozumab injection combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy are reliable and definite.

An overview of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in cancer therapy

Epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), a transmembrane receptor on the cell surface, carries extracellular messages into the cell and alters the activity of the nucleus through tyrosine signalling. EGFR-targeted treatments have influenced the new era of precision oncology throughout the last few decades. Despite significant progress, long-term remission from solid tumours is still a distant goal for many oncologists. There are several methods by which tumour cells alter the activity of this protein in solid tumours. EGFR-related oncogenic pathways, resistance mechanisms, and novel avenues to suppress tumour development and metastatic spread were discovered in clinical specimens using preclinical models (cell cultures, xenografts, mouse models), which were then validated in those specimens. EGFR has been implicated in the onset and advancement of a variety of cancers, according to research. An overview of EGFR's structural anatomy and physiology, its role in cancers, and clinical studies that target EGFR in various tumours are included in this review.

Application of Non-Blood-Derived Fluid Biopsy in Monitoring Minimal Residual Diseases of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most fatal malignant tumors in the world. Overcoming this disease is difficult due to its late diagnosis and relapse after treatment. Minimal residual disease (MRD) is described as the presence of free circulating tumor cells or other tumor cell derivatives in the biological fluid of patients without any clinical symptoms of cancer and negative imaging examination after the treatment of primary tumors. It has been widely discussed in the medical community as a bridge to solid tumor recurrence. Radiology, serology (carcinoembryonic antigen), and other clinical diagnosis and treatment methods widely used to monitor the progression of disease recurrence have obvious time-limited and -specific defects. Furthermore, as most samples of traditional liquid biopsies come from patients’ blood (including plasma and serum), the low concentration of tumor markers in blood samples limits the ability of these liquid biopsies in the early detection of cancer recurrence. The use of non-blood-derived fluid biopsy in monitoring the status of MRD and further improving the postoperative individualized treatment of patients with lung cancer is gradually ushering in the dawn of hope. This paper reviews the progress of several non-blood-derived fluid samples (urine, saliva, sputum, and pleural effusion) in detecting MRD in lung cancer as well as selecting the accurate treatment for it.

Itraconazole and rifampicin, as CYP3A modulators but not P-gp modulators, affect the pharmacokinetics of almonertinib and active metabolite HAS-719 in healthy volunteers

Almonertinib is a novel third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It is mainly metabolized by CYP3A in vitro, and N-desmethylated almonertinib (HAS-719) is the major active metabolite in human plasma. In this study, we investigated the effects of CYP3A inhibitor itraconazole and CYP3A inducer rifampicin on the pharmacokinetics of almonertinib and HAS-719 in 64 healthy volunteers. We found that when co-administered with itraconazole, the maximal plasma concentration (C_max) and the plasma exposure (AUC_0-t) of almonertinib were increased by 56.3% and 2.38-fold, respectively, whereas the C_max and AUC_0-t of HAS-719 were reduced by 86.8% and 71.8%, respectively. Co-administration with rifampicin reduced the C_max and AUC_0-t of almonertinib by 79.3% and 92.6%, but the AUC_0-t of HAS-719 was unexpectedly decreased by 72.5%. In vitro assays showed that both almonertinib and HAS-719 were substrates of CYP3A and P-gp. Co-administration of rifampicin in Beagle dogs reduced the fecal recovery of almonertinib and HAS-719, and markedly increased the levels of metabolites derived from further metabolism of HAS-719, which was consistent with human plasma data, suggesting that although rifampicin was also a potent inducer of P-gp, the pharmacokinetic alternation of HAS-719 was mainly due to its further metabolism but not excretion changes. Moreover, we revealed that almonertinib was a moderately sensitive substrate of CYP3A in vivo. Special attention should be paid to the interaction between almonertinib and drugs or food affecting CYP3A activity in the clinical application of almonertinib.

Real-World Analysis of the EGFR Mutation Test in Tissue and Plasma Samples from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Molecular evaluation of EGFR mutation is indispensable in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We compared the results of EGFR analysis using tissue DNA (tDNA) and circulating tumor (ctDNA) to evaluate the feasibility of plasma as an effective material for detecting EGFR mutation and the reliability of ctDNA analysis in real-world practice settings. We enrolled 554 NSCLC cases who had undergone ctDNA EGFR analysis between January 2019 and March 2020. EGFR mutations were detected in 240 (57.3%) of the 421 cases with EGFR mutations confirmed by tDNA analysis. In multivariate analysis, the size of the largest tumor deposits, disease progression, M stage, the detectable amount of tumor tissue with EGFR mutation in distant metastasis, liver metastasis, pleural seeding, and bone metastasis (p < 0.05) were identified as independent factors affecting the detection rate of EGFR mutations in ctDNA. Survival analysis revealed ctDNA status and M stage (p < 0.001) to be independent predictors of overall survival in the multivariate analysis. Our study demonstrates that EGFR analysis using ctDNA is a useful clinical tool and can aid in therapeutic decisions in real-world practical settings. However, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of false negatives and confirm EGFR analysis using tDNA in certain situations.

Efficacy and Safety of First-Generation EGFR-TKIs Combined with Chemotherapy for Treatment-Naïve Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Harboring Sensitive EGFR Mutations: A Single-Center, Open-Label, Single-Arm, Phase II Clinical Trial

Purpose

This single-center, open-label, single-arm, phase II clinical trial aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of the first-generation EGFR-TKIs combined with chemotherapy among treatment-naïve advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring sensitive EGFR mutations.

Materials and Methods

Patients with advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC were given concurrent gefitinib (250 mg orally daily) and 3-week cycle of carboplatin plus pemetrexed for 4 to 6 cycles, followed by gefitinib maintenance until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and safety. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02886195).

Results

Of the 21 patients enrolled in this study, a 76.2% ORR and 100% DCR were observed and a higher ORR was seen in patients with EGFR 21L858R mutations than in those with 19del mutations (P = 0.012). The subjects had a median PFS of 15.0 months and a median OS of 26.0 months, and numerically longer PFS was seen in patients with EGFR 21L858R mutations than in those with 19del mutations (P = 0.281). There were 15 NSCLC patients without cerebral metastases at baseline, with 4 cases developing cerebral metastases during the treatment, and the 6-, 12- and 24-month cumulative incidence rates of the central nervous system metastasis were 6.67%, 13.3% and 26.7%, respectively. There were 17 subjects with progressive diseases tested for EGFR T790M mutations, and 11 cases were positive for T790M mutations. Grade 3 toxicity included neutropenia (9.5%), leukopenia (4.8%), liver dysfunction (9.5%) and diarrhea (4.8%), and no grade 4 adverse events or treatment-related death occurred.

Conclusion

The combination of first-generation EGFR-TKIs and chemotherapy achieves a satisfactory PFS, ORR and DCR and well-tolerated toxicity in advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations, notably in patients with EGFR L858R mutations.

Imperfect Predictors for Lung Cancer Immunotherapy-A Field for Further Research

The armamentarium for lung cancer immunotherapy has been strengthened using two groups of monoclonal antibodies: 1) anti-PD-1 antibodies, including pembrolizumab and nivolumab, which block the programmed death 1 receptor on the lymphocyte surface, resulting in increasing activity of these cells, and 2) anti-PD-L1 antibodies, including atezolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab, which block the ligand for the PD-1 molecule on tumor cells and on tumor-infiltrating immune cells. The effectiveness of both groups of antibodies has been proven in many clinical trials, which translates into positive immunotherapeutic registrations for cancer patients. Regarding the predictive factor, PD-L1 expression on cancer cells is the only biomarker validated in prospective clinical trials used for qualification to immunotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, it is not an ideal one. Unfortunately, no clinical benefits could be noted in patients with high PD-L1 expression on tumor cells against the effectiveness of immunotherapy that may be observed in patients without PD-L1 expression. Furthermore, the mechanism of antitumor immune response is extremely complex, multistage, and depends on many factors. Cancer cells could be recognized by the immune system, provided tumor-specific antigen presentation, and these arise as a result of somatic mutations in tumor cells. Based on novel immunotherapy registration, high tumor mutation burden (TMB) has become an important predictive factor. The intensity of lymphocyte infiltration in tumor tissue may be another predictive factor. The effectiveness of anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy is observed in patients with high expression of genes associated with the effector function of T lymphocytes (i.e., their ability to produce IFN-gamma). This does not end the list of potential factors that become useful in qualification of cancer patients for immunotherapy. There remains a need to search for new and perfect predictive factors for immunotherapy.

Novel Treatment For Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Brain Metastases

Brain metastases is common in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and it is associated with poorer prognosis. Several options to control the secondary brain tumors in the context include chemotherapy, whole-brain radiation, stereotactic surgery, surgery. However, chemotherapy is ineffective to those patients because of poor penetration through the blood-brain barrier. Whole-brain radiation therapy used to be a standard option for brain metastases. However, it potentially damages normal brain tissues and causes neurocognitive decline. Stereotactic radiotherapy has been considered in cases of three or fewer lesions, and the lesions less than 3 cm. In selective cases, surgical removal of brain metastases can be done. These local therapies were accompanied by systemic treatment due to spreading of the cancer. Recently, molecular targeted therapy has opened up a new era in cancer treatment, especially NSCLC with brain metastases. In this review, we discuss brain metastases occurring in NSCLC patients with driver gene mutations with some briefly demonstrated cases.

Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitor G28 Shows Anticancer Activity in EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistant Lung Adenocarcinoma Models

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinases inhibitors (TKIs) are effective therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients whose tumors harbor an EGFR activating mutation. However, this treatment is not curative due to primary and secondary resistance such as T790M mutation in exon 20. Recently, activation of transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in NSCLC appeared as an alternative resistance mechanism allowing cancer cells to elude the EGFR signaling. Overexpression of fatty acid synthase (FASN), a multifunctional enzyme essential for endogenous lipogenesis, has been related to resistance and the regulation of the EGFR/Jak2/STAT signaling pathways. Using EGFR mutated (EGFRm) NSCLC sensitive and EGFR TKIs’ resistant models (Gefitinib Resistant, GR) we studied the role of the natural polyphenolic anti-FASN compound (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and its derivative G28 to overcome EGFR TKIs’ resistance. We show that G28’s cytotoxicity is independent of TKIs’ resistance mechanisms displaying synergistic effects in combination with gefitinib and osimertinib in the resistant T790M negative (T790M−) model and showing a reduction of activated EGFR and STAT3 in T790M positive (T790M+) models. Our results provide the bases for further investigation of G28 in combination with TKIs to overcome the EGFR TKI resistance in NSCLC.

Receptor tyrosine kinases in PI3K signaling: The therapeutic targets in cancer

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, one of the most commonly activated signaling pathways in human cancers, plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. This pathway is usually activated by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), whose constitutive and aberrant activation is via gain-of-function mutations, chromosomal rearrangement, gene amplification and autocrine. Blockage of PI3K pathway by targeted therapy on RTKs with tyrosine kinases inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has achieved great progress in past decades; however, there still remain big challenges during their clinical application. In this review, we provide an overview about the most frequently encountered alterations in RTKs and focus on current therapeutic agents developed to counteract their aberrant functions, accompanied with discussions of two major challenges to the RTKs-targeted therapy in cancer - resistance and toxicity.

Osimertinib as first-line therapy in advanced NSCLC: a profile of its use

Osimertinib (Tagrisso^®) is an oral, CNS-active, third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that selectively inhibits EGFR TKI-activating mutations over wild-type EGFR in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including the T790M mutation that often underlies acquired resistance to earlier generation EGFR TKIs. Relative to standard of care first-generation EGFR TKIs (erlotinib or gefitinib) as first-line treatment of EGFR activating mutation-positive advanced NSCLC, osimertinib significantly prolongs median progression-free survival (PFS), with separation of the Kaplan-Meier PFS survival curves evident by the first assessment timepoint of 6 weeks. Osimertinib prolongs PFS relative to standard EGFR TKI therapy in all prespecified groups, irrespective of the EGFR mutation present at study entry and presence of CNS metastases at study entry. Overall survival data are not yet mature. Osimertinib has a generally manageable tolerability profile.