Osimertinib + chemotherapy improves progression-free survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: study

For patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations, osimertinib plus chemotherapy can significantly extend progression-free survival (PFS) compared with osimertinib (Osimertinib) alone, according to one study. The study randomly assigned 557 patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC who had not received prior treatment for advanced disease in a 1:1 ratio to receive osimertinib (80 mg once daily) combined with chemotherapy (pemetrexed plus cisplatin or carboplatin) or osimertinib (80 mg once daily) alone.

The researchers found that investigator-assessed PFS was significantly longer in the osimertinib chemotherapy group compared with the osimertinib group. Overall, at 24 months, 57% of patients in the osimertinib-chemotherapy group and 41% in the osimertinib group were alive and progression-free. Consistent with the primary analysis, PFS was significantly longer in the combination arm, as assessed by blinded independent review. Objective (complete or partial) responses were observed in 83% of patients in the osimertinib-chemotherapy group and 76% in the osimertinib group, respectively; the median duration of response was 24.0 and 15.3 months, respectively. The incidence of grade 3 or higher adverse events from any cause was higher in the combination therapy group compared with the monotherapy group.

OsimertinibThe original drug has been launched in China and has been covered by medical insurance. The price of 80mg*30 tablets per box may be around 5,000 yuan, which is relatively expensive. Currently available overseas Osimertinib generics, such as the specifications produced by Bangladesh Pharmaceutical FactoryThe price of each box of 80mg*30 tablets may be more than 800 yuan (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is relatively cheap.The ingredients of osimertinib generics are basically the same as the original drug.