Targeted pills after surgery or chemoradiation for EGFR or ALK lung cancer
Large drops in recurrence; longer survival shown for osimertinib.
What studies found
In ADAURA (682 patients), osimertinib after surgery for EGFR-mutated cancer gave 5-year survival of 88% versus 78% with placebo. In ALINA (257 patients), alectinib after surgery for ALK-positive cancer gave 2-year disease-free survival of 93.6% versus 63.7% with chemotherapy. In LAURA (216 patients), osimertinib after chemoradiation for stage III EGFR-mutated cancer gave median progression-free survival of 39.1 versus 5.6 months.
The catch
Survival results for ALINA and LAURA aren't mature yet.
What to do
If your tumor has an EGFR or ALK change, ask about a targeted pill after surgery or chemoradiation.
Sources
Rung 4 of 5, Strong: At least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the lung cancer page.
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