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Lung Cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Aug 2022Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the standard of care for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that harbor mutations of the epidermal growth factor... (Review)
Review
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the standard of care for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that harbor mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. First-line therapy for these patients is often osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR TKI. Erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib, and dacomitinib are first- and second-generation TKIs that are also available. However, almost all patients eventually develop disease progression due to TKI-acquired resistance. The mechanisms of resistance after TKI exposure often involve EGFR or its downstream pathways. While a frequently utilized strategy for combating acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs remains standard platinum-based chemotherapy, clinical investigation of promising novel agents targeting common resistance mechanisms such as MET, HER2, and HER3 is of increased interest. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of resistance to TKIs in EGFR-mutant NSCLC, examine current treatment standards, and discuss novel developing therapies. Both EGFR-dependent (involving secondary mutations in EGFR) and EGFR-independent (mutations that bypass EGFR signaling and histologic transformation) resistance mechanisms are considered. Several novel treatment strategies are emerging to overcome these resistance mechanisms, as the understanding and identification of specific EGFR-TKI resistance mechanisms continues to improve. The treatments in development aim to target or bypass the mechanisms of resistance, including MET-, HER2-, and HER3-directed therapies. In patients with acquired TKI resistance, molecular profiling at the time of initial progression may help identify relevant mechanisms of resistance. Clinical trial participation is vital to continued investigation for EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
Topics: Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; ErbB Receptors; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mutation; Protein Kinase Inhibitors
PubMed: 35714425
DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.05.011 -
The Lancet. Oncology Nov 2017Dacomitinib is a second-generation, irreversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. We compared its efficacy and safety with that of the reversible EGFR tyrosine kinase... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
Dacomitinib versus gefitinib as first-line treatment for patients with EGFR-mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (ARCHER 1050): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial.
BACKGROUND
Dacomitinib is a second-generation, irreversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. We compared its efficacy and safety with that of the reversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced EGFR-mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
METHODS
In this international, multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 3 study (ARCHER 1050), we enrolled adults (aged ≥18 years or ≥20 years in Japan and South Korea) with newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC and one EGFR mutation (exon 19 deletion or Leu858Arg) at 71 academic medical centres and university hospitals in seven countries or special administrative regions. We randomly assigned participants (1:1) to receive oral dacomitinib 45 mg/day (in 28-day cycles) or oral gefitinib 250 mg/day (in 28-day cycles) until disease progression or another discontinuation criterion was met. Randomisation, stratified by race and EGFR mutation type, was done with a computer-generated random code assigned by a central interactive web response system. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival assessed by masked independent review in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of study treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01774721, and is ongoing but no longer recruiting patients.
FINDINGS
Between May 9, 2013, and March 20, 2015, 452 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive dacomitinib (n=227) or gefitinib (n=225). Median duration of follow-up for progression-free survival was 22·1 months (95% CI 20·3-23·9). Median progression-free survival according to masked independent review was 14·7 months (95% CI 11·1-16·6) in the dacomitinib group and 9·2 months (9·1-11·0) in the gefitinib group (hazard ratio 0·59, 95% CI 0·47-0·74; p<0·0001). The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were dermatitis acneiform (31 [14%] of 227 patients given dacomitinib vs none of 224 patients given gefitinib), diarrhoea (19 [8%] vs two [1%]), and raised alanine aminotransferase levels (two [1%] vs 19 [8%]). Treatment-related serious adverse events were reported in 21 (9%) patients given dacomitinib and in ten (4%) patients given gefitinib. Two treatment-related deaths occurred in the dacomitinib group (one related to untreated diarrhoea and one to untreated cholelithases/liver disease) and one in the gefitinib group (related to sigmoid colon diverticulitis/rupture complicated by pneumonia).
INTERPRETATION
Dacomitinib significantly improved progression-free survival over gefitinib in first-line treatment of patients with EGFR-mutation-positive NSCLC and should be considered as a new treatment option for this population.
FUNDING
SFJ Pharmaceuticals Group and Pfizer.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Confidence Intervals; Disease-Free Survival; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Gefitinib; Genes, erbB-1; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Maximum Tolerated Dose; Middle Aged; Mutation; Prognosis; Quinazolines; Quinazolinones; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28958502
DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(17)30608-3 -
Journal of Thoracic Oncology : Official... May 2021The first-line treatment of choice for patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), of which five as follows are predominantly... (Review)
Review
The first-line treatment of choice for patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), of which five as follows are predominantly available in practice: gefitinib, erlotinib, afatinib, dacomitinib, and osimertinib. Most prospective clinical trial data with these agents are limited to patients with the common activating and sensitizing EGFR mutations as follows: exon 19 deletions and exon 21 L858R point mutations. However, 10% to 20% of patients with NSCLC harbor uncommon EGFR mutations that have variable sensitivity to different EGFR TKIs. Owing to their molecular structures, afatinib, dacomitinib, and osimertinib have broader inhibitory profiles than the first-generation agents, gefitinib and erlotinib. Nevertheless, the paucity of prospective clinical data, the wide heterogeneity of uncommon mutations, and the existence of compound mutations in up to 25% of the cases complicate treatment decisions in this patient subgroup. Here, we collate the latest preclinical and clinical data regarding the activity of different TKIs against major uncommon EGFR mutations including compound mutations, but excluding exon 20 insertions which are generally insensitive to TKIs. On the basis of these data, we offer suggestions regarding treatment strategies for uncommon EGFR mutations. Moving forward, it will be important to include uncommon EGFR mutations in the first-line molecular analysis of all patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung, as this will help optimize patient outcomes according to their precise genotype.
Topics: ErbB Receptors; Exons; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mutation; Prospective Studies; Protein Kinase Inhibitors
PubMed: 33333327
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2020.12.002 -
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets 2023Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently amplified, overexpressed, and mutated in multiple cancers. In normal cell physiology, EGFR signaling controls... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently amplified, overexpressed, and mutated in multiple cancers. In normal cell physiology, EGFR signaling controls cellular differentiation, proliferation, growth, and survival. During tumorigenesis, mutations in EGFR lead to increased kinase activity supporting survival, uncontrolled proliferation, and migratory functions of cancer cells. Molecular agents targeting the EGFR pathway have been discovered, and their efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical trials. To date, 14 EGFR-targeted agents have been approved for cancer treatments.
AREAS COVERED
This review describes the newly identified pathways in EGFR signaling, the evolution of novel EGFR-acquired and innate resistance mechanisms, mutations, and adverse side effects of EGFR signaling inhibitors. Subsequently, the latest EGFR/panEGFR inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies have been summarized. Finally, the consequences of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors and EGFR inhibitors have also been discussed.
EXPERT OPINION
As new mutations are threatened against EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), we suggest the development of new compounds targeting specific mutations without inducing new mutations. We discuss potential future research on developing EGFR-TKIs specific for exact allosteric sites to overcome acquired resistance and reduce adverse events. The rising trend of EGFR inhibitors in the pharma market and their economic impact on real-world clinical practice are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Signal Transduction; ErbB Receptors; Mutation
PubMed: 37243489
DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2218613 -
Pharmacological Research Jan 2019The EGFR family is among the most investigated receptor protein-tyrosine kinase groups owing to its general role in signal transduction and in oncogenesis. This family... (Review)
Review
The EGFR family is among the most investigated receptor protein-tyrosine kinase groups owing to its general role in signal transduction and in oncogenesis. This family consists of four members that belong to the ErbB lineage of proteins (ErbB1-4). The ErbB proteins function as homo and heterodimers. These receptors contain an extracellular domain that consists of four parts: domains I and III are leucine-rich segments that participate in growth factor binding (except for ErbB2) and domains II and IV contain multiple disulfide bonds. Moreover, domain II participates in both homo and heterodimer formation within the ErbB/HER family of proteins. Seven ligands bind to EGFR including epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-α, none bind to ErbB2, two bind to ErbB3, and seven ligands bind to ErbB4. The extracellular domain is followed by a single transmembrane segment of about 25 amino acid residues and an intracellular portion of about 550 amino acid residues that contains (i) a short juxtamembrane segment, (ii) a protein kinase domain, and (iii) a carboxyterminal tail. ErbB2 lacks a known activating ligand and ErbB3 is kinase impaired. Surprisingly, the ErbB2-ErbB3 heterodimer complex is the most active dimer in the family. These receptors are implicated in the pathogenesis of a large proportion of lung and breast cancers, which rank first and second, respectively, in the incidence of all types of cancers (excluding skin) worldwide. On the order of 20% of non-small cell lung cancers bear activating mutations in EGFR. More than 90% of these patients have exon-19 deletions (ELREA) or the exon-21 L858R substitution. Gefitinib and erlotinib are orally effective type I reversible EGFR mutant inhibitors; type I inhibitors bind to an active enzyme conformation. Unfortunately, secondary resistance to these drugs occurs within about one year owing to a T790M gatekeeper mutation. Osimertinib is an irreversible type VI inhibitor that forms a covalent bond with C797 of EGFR and is FDA-approved for the treatment of patients with this mutation; type VI inhibitors generally form a covalent adduct with their target protein. Resistance also develops to this and related type VI inhibitory drugs owing to a C797S mutation; the serine residue is unable to react with the drugs to form a covalent bond. Approximately 20% of breast cancer patients exhibit ErbB2/HER2 gene amplification on chromosome 17q. One of the earliest targeted treatments in cancer involved the development of trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that interacts with the extracellular domain ErbB2/HER2 causing its down regulation. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy with cytotoxic drugs, and hormonal modulation are the mainstays in the treatment of breast cancer. Moreover, lapatinib and neratinib are FDA-approved small molecule ErbB2/HER2 antagonists used in the treatment of selected breast cancer patients. Of the approximate three dozen FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors, five are type VI irreversible inhibitors and four of them including afatinib, osimertinib, dacomitinib, and neratinib are directed against the ErbB family of receptors (ibrutinib is the fifth and it targets Bruton tyrosine kinase). Avitinib, olmutinib, and pelitinib are additional type VI inhibitors in clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer that target EGFR. Secondary resistance to both targeted and cytotoxic drugs is the norm, and devising and implementing strategies for minimizing or overcoming resistance is an important goal in cancer therapeutics.
Topics: Animals; ErbB Receptors; Humans; Ligands; Neoplasms; Protein Kinase Inhibitors
PubMed: 30500458
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.11.014 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Apr 2021Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are treatments commonly used for lung cancer. The toxicity profile including toxicity incidence,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are treatments commonly used for lung cancer. The toxicity profile including toxicity incidence, severity, and spectrum (involving various specific adverse events) of each EGFR-TKI are of particular clinical interest and importance. Data from phase II and III randomized controlled trials comparing treatments among EGFR-TKIs (osimertinib, dacomitinib, afatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, and icotinib) and chemotherapy for lung cancer were synthesized with Bayesian network meta-analysis. The primary outcome was systemic all-grade and grade ≥3 adverse events. The secondary outcome was specific all-grade adverse events including those of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, lung, etc. 40 trials randomizing 13,352 patients were included. Generally greater toxicity for dacomitinib and afatinib, and safety for icotinib were suggested. Furthermore, we found individual EGFR-TKIs had different toxicity spectrums. These findings provide a compelling safety reference for the individualized use of EGFR-TKIs for patients with lung cancer.
Topics: Bayes Theorem; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; ErbB Receptors; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mutation; Network Meta-Analysis; Protein Kinase Inhibitors
PubMed: 33757838
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103305 -
Recent Results in Cancer Research.... 2018Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated (exons 18-21) advanced non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) are generally characterized by exquisite sensitivity to... (Review)
Review
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated (exons 18-21) advanced non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) are generally characterized by exquisite sensitivity to treatment with an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (-TKI). First-generation or reversible EGFR-TKIs include gefitinib and erlotinib, while, more recently, second-generation or irreversible EGFR-TKIs have been developed, namely afatinib and dacomitinib, with the aim of overcoming/delaying acquired resistance to treatment. Nevertheless, clinical trials have shown that resistance eventually emerges after a median time of slightly less than one year, regardless of whether first- or second-generation EGFR-TKIs are used. In this context, a secondary EGFR mutation in exon 20, namely T790M, has been found to be responsible for approximately 60% of cases of acquired resistance. Alternatively, T790M resistance mutation can be found de novo, in which case it limits the antitumor activity of both first- or second-generation EGFR-TKIs. Osimertinb is an orally bioavailable, third-generation EGFR-TKI that acts by irreversibly binding both EGFR activating mutations and T790M, while sparing wild-type EGFR. On this basis, osimertinib has proven more efficacious than platinum-based chemotherapy in the setting of EGFR T790M-positive NSCLCs pretreated with a first- or second-generation EGFR-TKI. More recently, in another phase 3 trial, osimertinib outperformed gefitinib or erlotinib as first-line treatment of EGFR-mutated (ex19del or L858R) advanced NSCLCs, thus emerging as a new standard of care in this setting. In the present review, we will discuss the preclinical and clinical development of osimertinib, briefly touching upon its activity in special populations and biomarkers of sensitivity to treatment.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Carbazoles; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; ErbB Receptors; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors
PubMed: 30069773
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-91442-8_18 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Oct 2019To compare the efficacy and safety of first line treatments for patients with advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and safety of first line treatments for patients with advanced epidermal growth factor receptor mutated, non-small cell lung cancer: systematic review and network meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of first line treatments for patients with advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and several international conference databases, from inception to 20 May 2019.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Published and unpublished randomised controlled trials comparing two or more treatments in the first line setting for patients with advanced EGFR mutated NSCLC were included in a bayesian network meta-analysis. Eligible studies reported at least one of the following clinical outcome measures: progression free survival, overall survival, objective response rate, and adverse events of grade 3 or higher.
RESULTS
18 eligible trials involved 4628 patients and 12 treatments: EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs; osimertinib, dacomitinib, afatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, and icotinib), pemetrexed based chemotherapy, pemetrexed free chemotherapy, and combination treatments (afatinib plus cetuximab, erlotinib plus bevacizumab, gefitinib plus pemetrexed based chemotherapy, and gefitinib plus pemetrexed). Consistent with gefitinib plus pemetrexed based chemotherapy (hazard ratio 0.95, 95% credible interval 0.72 to 1.24), osimertinib showed the most favourable progression free survival, with significant differences versus dacomitinib (0.74, 0.55 to 1.00), afatinib (0.52, 0.40 to 0.68), erlotinib (0.48, 0.40 to 0.57), gefitinib (0.44, 0.37 to 0.52), icotinib (0.39, 0.24 to 0.62), pemetrexed based chemotherapy (0.24, 0.17 to 0.33), pemetrexed free chemotherapy (0.16, 0.13 to 0.20), afatinib plus cetuximab (0.44, 0.28 to 0.71), and gefitinib plus pemetrexed (0.65, 0.46 to 0.92). Osimertinib and gefitinib plus pemetrexed based chemotherapy were also consistent (0.94, 0.66 to 1.35) in providing the best overall survival benefit. Combination treatments caused more toxicity in general, especially erlotinib plus bevacizumab, which caused the most adverse events of grade 3 or higher. Different toxicity spectrums were revealed for individual EGFR-TKIs. Subgroup analyses by the two most common EGFR mutation types indicated that osimertinib was associated with the best progression free survival in patients with the exon 19 deletion, and gefitinib plus pemetrexed based chemotherapy was associated with the best progression free survival in patients with the Leu858Arg mutation.
CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that osimertinib and gefitinib plus pemetrexed based chemotherapy were associated with the best progression free survival and overall survival benefits for patients with advanced EGFR mutated NSCLC, compared with other first line treatments. The treatments resulting in the best progression free survival for patients with the exon 19 deletion and Leu858Arg mutations were osimertinib and gefitinib plus pemetrexed based chemotherapy, respectively.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42018111954.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; ErbB Receptors; Humans; Mutation; Network Meta-Analysis
PubMed: 31591158
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l5460 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023In spite of the increasing number of biologics license applications, the development of covalent inhibitors is still a growing field within drug discovery. The... (Review)
Review
In spite of the increasing number of biologics license applications, the development of covalent inhibitors is still a growing field within drug discovery. The successful approval of some covalent protein kinase inhibitors, such as ibrutinib (BTK covalent inhibitor) and dacomitinib (EGFR covalent inhibitor), and the very recent discovery of covalent inhibitors for viral proteases, such as boceprevir, narlaprevir, and nirmatrelvir, represent a new milestone in covalent drug development. Generally, the formation of covalent bonds that target proteins can offer drugs diverse advantages in terms of target selectivity, drug resistance, and administration concentration. The most important factor for covalent inhibitors is the electrophile (warhead), which dictates selectivity, reactivity, and the type of protein binding (i.e., reversible or irreversible) and can be modified/optimized through rational designs. Furthermore, covalent inhibitors are becoming more and more common in proteolysis, targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for degrading proteins, including those that are currently considered to be 'undruggable'. The aim of this review is to highlight the current state of covalent inhibitor development, including a short historical overview and some examples of applications of PROTAC technologies and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
PubMed: 37242447
DOI: 10.3390/ph16050663