New Kinase Inhibitor for Lung Cancer Treatment

A recent breakthrough in lung cancer treatment has introduced a new kinase inhibitor, Lazertinib (Lazcluze®), specifically targeting patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have common mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and has increasingly affected individuals who have never smoked or have quit smoking. These patients often exhibit driving mutations that promote tumor growth, particularly in the EGFR gene. While around 50% of NSCLC patients in Asia have identifiable EGFR mutations, the prevalence in Germany is between 10% and 15%.

The most common mutations found in EGFR include deletions in exon 19 and the L858R point mutation in exon 21, which together represent about 90% of cases. For patients with these mutations, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Osimertinib (Tagrisso®) is already available and can be used either alone or in combination with Pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy, with the latter approach proving more effective.

Lazertinib, developed by Johnson & Johnson, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced NSCLC who have confirmed common EGFR mutations. However, Lazertinib is not administered as a standalone treatment. Instead, it is always combined with the bispecific antibody Amivantamab (Rybrevant®), which targets both EGFR and the mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET).

The recommended dosage for Lazertinib is 240 mg taken once daily, while the dosage of Amivantamab is weight-dependent. Patients may require dose adjustments for one or both medications due to various side effects. For optimal use, the film-coated tablet should be swallowed whole, either with or without food. If a dose is missed, it should only be taken within twelve hours of the scheduled time; otherwise, the next dose should be taken as usual. In cases where a patient vomits after taking the medication, the next dose should be postponed until the following day.

This innovative treatment option marks a significant advancement in the management of lung cancer, offering new hope for patients with specific EGFR mutations. Ongoing studies continue to explore the efficacy and safety of Lazertinib in combination with Amivantamab, potentially paving the way for further advancements in targeted cancer therapies.