Tagrisso (osimertinib) is a targeted cancer therapy used to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has specific mutations. The drug was developed by AstraZeneca and was approved by the FDA in 2015 for use in treating advanced NSCLC with a specific mutation known as an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation.
Osimertinib works by inhibiting the activity of the EGFR protein, which is responsible for promoting the growth and survival of cancer cells. By inhibiting EGFR, Tagrisso can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, reducing tumor size and improving patient outcomes.
One of the major advantages of osimertinib is its ability to target specific EGFR mutations that are commonly found in NSCLC. Osimertinib has been shown to be particularly effective in treating patients with the T790M mutation, which is often associated with resistance to other EGFR inhibitors. This makes it a valuable option for patients who have not responded to other treatments.
Clinical trials have shown that osimertinib is highly effective in treating advanced NSCLC with specific EGFR mutations. In a phase 1/2 trial, patients with the T790M mutation who received osimertinib had an overall response rate of 61%, with a median progression-free survival of 9.6 months.
In a phase 3 trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive either osimertinib or a platinum-based chemotherapy. The trial found that osimertinib was significantly more effective at prolonging progression-free survival than chemotherapy. Additionally, osimertinib was better tolerated than chemotherapy, with fewer severe side effects.
Tagrisso has also been studied in combination with other cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Early results suggest that combining osimertinib with other treatments may further improve outcomes for patients with advanced NSCLC.
Like all medications, osimertinib can cause side effects. Common side effects of osimertinib include diarrhea, skin rash, and decreased appetite. Other, less common side effects may include lung problems, heart problems, and eye problems. Patients receiving osimertinib should be monitored closely for any potential side effects.
Overall, osimertinib represents an important advancement in the treatment of advanced NSCLC with specific EGFR mutations. Its targeted mechanism of action and high efficacy make it a valuable option for patients with this type of cancer. Ongoing research into osimertinib and other targeted therapies offers hope for continued progress in the fight against cancer.
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