Perioperative therapy has become a critical component in the management of resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in the era of precision medicine. Although molecular testing is standard in metastatic NSCLC, its incorporation into early-stage disease remains essential for guiding treatment decisions. Reflex molecular testing pathways are necessary to optimize tissue utilization and ensure timely results. However, liquid biopsies, although valuable in advanced disease, have limited sensitivity in early-stage NSCLC, reinforcing the need for tissue-based next-generation sequencing. Targeted therapies have revolutionized treatment for oncogene-driven NSCLC, with adjuvant osimertinib now standard for EGFR-mutant disease and ongoing investigations into ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, unanswered questions remain regarding the inclusion of perioperative TKI therapy, the role of molecular residual disease assessment, and whether specific TKIs offer greater benefit for high-risk subgroups. The role of immunotherapy (IO) in oncogene-driven NSCLC remains controversial. Although perioperative chemo-IO has demonstrated survival benefits in unselected NSCLC, its efficacy in EGFR, ALK, and other actionable alterations is unclear. Tumors harboring KRAS and BRAF mutations may respond better because of a more immune-inflamed microenvironment, and remains an active area of investigation. As the landscape of perioperative therapy continues to evolve, ongoing trials will help define the optimal integration of targeted therapies and IO in oncogene-driven NSCLC. Addressing these unanswered questions will be crucial in refining treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.

Postoperative adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor osimertinib is the standard care for stage IB-IIIB non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutation, following complete tumour resection, with or without prior platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy. However, the role of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in this setting is debated, particularly concerning long-term curative effects versus recurrence delay. Uncertainties persist around treatment duration, harms, and effectiveness across disease stages, prior chemotherapy, or EGFR-sensitising mutation types.

To assess the effectiveness and harms of adjuvant EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in people with resected stage I to III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harbouring an activating EGFR mutation.

We searched major databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase) to 9 December 2024, along with conference proceedings (from 2019) and clinical trial registries.

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting benefits or harms of adjuvant EGFR TKIs in adults with resected stage I-III NSCLC. Trials compared EGFR TKIs with platinum-based chemotherapy, placebo/best supportive care (BSC), or second-and/or third-generation EGFR TKIs versus first- and/or second-generation EGFR TKIs. Participants were adults with histologically confirmed stage I-III NSCLC.

Three review authors independently assessed search results, resolving disagreements with a fourth author. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and adverse events (AEs); secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life (HRQoL), relapse risk during drug-off time, and brain relapse risk. We conducted meta-analyses using random-effects and fixed-effect models with hazard ratios (HRs) or risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed heterogeneity with the I² statistic.

We included nine RCTs involving 2603 participants, and identified six ongoing trials. Five trials compared EGFR TKIs with placebo/BSC, and four compared them with chemotherapy. We found no trials comparing second-and/or third-generation to first- and/or second-generation EGFR TKIs. Six trials had low selection bias risk; most had unclear or high risk for detection or performance bias; and four were high risk for other biases. The certainty of the evidence (GRADE) ranged from moderate to very low, depending on the outcome. First-, second-, and/or third-generation EGFR TKIs versus placebo/BSC EGFR TKIs probably improve overall survival compared to placebo/BSC (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.73; 3 studies, 864 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). TKIs may improve disease-free survival compared to placebo/BSC, but the evidence is very uncertain (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.41; 5 studies, 1153 participants). We are uncertain if there is a difference between groups in serious adverse events (≥ grade 3) as the evidence is very uncertain, with wide confidence intervals spanning both potential harm and no effect (RR 2.52, 95% CI 0.44 to 14.37; 4 studies, 1134 participants). Mild-to-moderate adverse events (grades 1 and 2) may be more frequent with EGFR TKIs compared to placebo/BSC, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.29; 4 studies, 1134 participants). One study assessed HRQoL, with no clinically meaningful decline compared to placebo/BSC (592 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). First-, second-, and/or third-generation EGFR TKIs versus chemotherapy Overall survival was similar between EGFR TKIs and chemotherapy (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.18; 4 studies, 878 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). TKIs may have improved disease-free survival compared to chemotherapy (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.83; 4 studies, 878 participants; low-certainty evidence). TKIs may have reduced serious adverse events (≥ grade 3) compared to chemotherapy (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.52; 4 studies, 811 participants; low-certainty evidence). TKIs may have increased mild-to-moderate adverse events (grades 1 and 2) (RR 2.13, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.78; 4 studies, 811 participants; low-certainty evidence). Two studies assessed HRQoL, showing no clear difference compared to chemotherapy, as assessed with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung instrument (2 studies, 399 participants) and the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (2 studies, 400 participants), both with moderate-certainty evidence.

Adjuvant EGFR TKIs may improve disease-free survival compared to both placebo/BSC and chemotherapy. There is moderate-certainty evidence that EGFR TKIs increase overall survival compared to placebo/BSC. However, they likely result in little to no difference in overall survival compared to chemotherapy. We could not rule out a potential survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in people with EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Approximately 50% of participants experienced relapse or death within one year of stopping TKI therapy, indicating that the disease-free survival benefit may wane after withdrawal. This raises the possibility that prolonged adjuvant TKI therapy could be associated with improved long-term outcomes, although further research is needed to clarify this.

This retrospective study aims to clarify the association between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation types and brain metastasis incidence in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer after surgery.

Patients pathologically diagnosed with stage I to III non-small-cell lung cancer were consecutively enrolled from January 2010 to January 2017 and reviewed. First-generation TKIs were selected as postoperative therapy for those with EGFR mutations, and platinum-based chemotherapy was used as postoperative therapy for patients with negative wild-type gene mutations. A Kaplan-Meier approach was used to calculate the cumulative incidence of brain metastasis and overall survival. Candidate prognostic factors were checked by log-rank test.

A total of 669 patients were eligible for the study, comprising 309 who were EGFR(+), and 360 who were EGFR(-). Patients with any type of EGFR mutation have a significantly higher risk of developing brain metastases compared to those with EGFR wild-type (hazard ratio=1.957, P=0.012). The incidence of brain metastasis was 17.1% higher in patients with the 19Del mutation than in those with the L858R mutation (13.6%), other mutations (13.3%), or wild-type EGFR (6.1%). Moreover, those with 19Del mutations showed the greatest increase in incidence of brain metastasis (hazard ratio=3.009, P=0.001); those with L858R mutations showed a smaller increase (hazard ratio=2.750, P=0.003).

EGFR mutations are predictive factors for the cumulative incidence of brain metastasis. EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer patients may need more frequent brain magnetic resonance imaging to detect earlier occurrence of brain metastases, allowing for timely and effective treatment to improve patient prognosis.

Treatment with adjuvant osimertinib for three years is the standard-of-care for resected stage IB to IIIA NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. The role of neoadjuvant osimertinib in the perioperative setting is yet to be elucidated in the NeoADAURA study (NCT04351555).

This is a single-center, pilot study of patients with clinical stage IA to IIIA NSCLC (American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition) harboring an activating EGFR mutation (Exon 19 deletion, L858R) (NCT04816838). Patients were treated with two 28-day cycles of neoadjuvant osimertinib followed by surgical resection and three years of adjuvant osimertinib. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate after two cycles of neoadjuvant treatment. Secondary endpoints included the pathologic complete response rate and major pathologic response rate. Exploratory objectives included the correlation of longitudinal circulating tumor DNA testing (Signatera) and response to neoadjuvant osimertinib.

A total of 25 patients were enrolled and treated with neoadjuvant osimertinib, and all patients received surgical resection with R0 resection. The objective response rate was 44% (n = 11) all of which were partial responses. Fourteen patients (56%) reported stable disease after neoadjuvant osimertinib. The major pathologic response and pathologic complete response rates were 24% (n = 6) and 0%, respectively. None of the patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median disease-free survival was not reached at a median follow-up of 31 months (range: 13.8-38.6 mo). Six patients (30%) were circulating tumor DNA-positive at baseline and achieved clearance after 1 cycle of neoadjuvant osimertinib. There were no grade 3 adverse events during neoadjuvant treatment.

Two cycles of neoadjuvant osimertinib did not meet its primary endpoint of ORR. Neoadjuvant osimertinib is a feasible approach with a manageable safety profile in resectable EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

Brain metastases (BM) are a prevalent and severe complication of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that significantly affects quality of life. Although several predictive factors for BM have been identified, the influence of EGFR mutation subtypes remains under-explored.

We retrospectively examined patients with advanced NSCLC and EGFR mutations treated with first-line EGFR-TKIs. Our primary endpoint was intracranial progression-free survival (icPFS), defined as the time from the initiation of upfront treatment to the development of BM, the progression of existing brain lesions, or death. Additionally, we evaluated intracranial objective response rates (icORR) and disease control rates (icDCR) for patients with baseline BM. Subgroup and multivariate analyses were performed to adjust for relevant factors.

Of the 324 patients analyzed, 40.7% had baseline BM. Overall, the EGFRL858R mutation was linked to a significantly shorter median icPFS of 13.9 months, compared to 23.4 months for those with EGFRΔ19 (HR 1.60, P < .0001) For patients without baseline BM, icPFS was 14.3 months for EGFRL858R versus 26.2 months (HR 1.65, P = .007), while with baseline BM, it was 13.9 versus 18.5 months (HR 1.59, P = .035); icORR was lower for EGFRL858R (31.2% vs. 58.8%). Multivariate analysis showed EGFRL858R was independently linked to worse icPFS in patients with (HR 1.634, P = .031) and without BM (HR 1.606, P = .008), and lower icORR (OR 3.511, P = .007) and icDCR (OR 4.443, P = .006).

EGFRL858R mutation significantly impacts BM development, intracranial progression, and response, emphasizing its critical role in therapy selection.

We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib as adjuvant targeted therapy for completely resected localized high-grade soft-tissue sarcomas (STS).

Patients with localized high-grade STS after complete resection were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either oral 12 mg anlotinib or placebo once daily on days 1 to 14 every 21 days as a cycle, with up to six cycles until disease relapse, unmanageable toxicity, or death. The efficacy and safety were analyzed. This trial was the first trial exploring adjuvant targeted therapy for STS (NCT03951571).

Between June 2019 and November 2023, 88 patients were randomly assigned to receive anlotinib (n = 44) or placebo (n = 44). With a median follow-up of 30.95 months, the 1- and 2-year disease-free survival rates were 88% and 77% in the anlotinib group compared with 64% and 58% in the placebo group, respectively. Compared with patients treated with surgery alone, patients receiving adjuvant anlotinib combined with surgery had a reduced risk of disease recurrence [HR, 0.47; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.22-1.00; P = 0.0445]. Based on the tumor histology, the reduced risk of disease recurrence with anlotinib versus placebo was observed in patients with myxofibrosarcoma (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.17-1.65; P = 0.2698) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.12-2.87; P = 0.4971). Four patients discontinued anlotinib: two for proteinuria/hematuria (2/44, 5%) and two for poor healing of surgical wound (2/44, 5%).

Compared with surgery alone, adjuvant anlotinib following surgery reduces the incidence of disease relapse in localized high-grade STS, with acceptable toxicity.

This post-hoc analysis of the registrational FLAURA study and AURA program reports long-term safety data in epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFRm), advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with osimertinib for ≥ 36 months.

Patients from FLAURA who received first-line osimertinib and from the AURA program (AURA, AURA2, AURA3) who received ≥ second-line osimertinib were included. Patients received osimertinib 80 mg once daily. Safety data were analyzed in patients who remained on treatment for ≥ 36 months. The post-study global safety database captured investigator-reported serious adverse events (SAEs) in patients who continued osimertinib beyond final data cut-off (DCO) of the studies. Best response data were analyzed in patients on treatment for ≥ 54 months (FLAURA) or ≥ 36 months (AURA program).

In FLAURA, 76 (28 %) and 36 (13 %) of 267 patients received first-line osimertinib for ≥ 36 and ≥ 54 months, respectively; median exposure: 52.5 and 64.5 months, respectively. Across the AURA program,124 (16 %) of 799 patients received ≥ second-line osimertinib for ≥ 36 months; median exposure: 44.7 months. Investigators reported on-study SAEs in 17 % (FLAURA) and 35 % (AURA program) of patients who continued treatment for ≥ 36 months. Post-study incidences of SAEs were 11 % (FLAURA) and 21 % (AURA program). On-study, adverse events (AEs) of cardiac effects (indicative of cardiac failure; grouped term) occurred in 7 % (FLAURA) and 5 % (AURA program) of patients; AEs of interstitial lung disease (ILD; grouped term) occurred in 0 (FLAURA) and 1 (AURA program) patient. No post-study SAEs were reported for the grouped terms cardiac effects and ILD. Most patients treated for ≥ 54 months (FLAURA) and ≥ 36 months (AURA program) had a best on-study response of partial response.

This analysis demonstrated that long-term treatment with osimertinib of ≥ 36 months was well tolerated in patients with EGFRm advanced NSCLC.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) benefit some lung cancer patients, but their efficacy is limited in advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) with EGFR mutations (EGFRm), largely due to a non-immunogenic tumour microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, EGFRm LUAD patients often experience increased toxicity with ICIs. CD73, an ectonucleotidase involved in adenosine production, promotes tumour immune evasion and could represent a novel therapeutic target. This study investigates CD73 expression in LUAD with EGFR alterations and its clinico-pathological correlations.

CD73 expression in tumour (CD73TC) and stromal (CD73SC) cells was assessed in 76 treatment-naive LUAD patients using immunohistochemistry (IHC) (D7F9A clone) alongside IHC PD-L1 (22C3 clone). EGFR alterations were identified by molecular sequencing and FISH. Event-free survival (EFS) was analysed based on CD73TC expression.

CD73TC expression was observed in 66% of cases, with high expression (Tumour Proportion Score > 50%) correlating with improved EFS (p = 0.045). CD73TC and PD-L1 expression were not significantly correlated (p = 0.44), although a weak inverse trend was observed. CD73SC expression was detected in 18% of cases, predominantly in early-stage (p = 0.037), PD-L1-negative (p = 0.030), and non-EGFR-amplified (p = 0.0018) tumours. No significant associations were found with disease stage, histological subtype, EGFR mutation type, and amplification.

CD73 expression in EGFRm LUAD is heterogeneous and associated with diverse TME profiles. These findings support the potential of CD73 as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target, highlighting its clinical relevance in EGFRm LUAD.

This review provides a comprehensive update on the evolving landscape of treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, particularly focusing on advances in precision medicine and overcoming acquired resistance. Initial success with first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in EGFR-mutated NSCLC has paved the way for precision oncology and subsequent development of third-generation EGFR TKIs, the current standard of care as first-line therapy in advanced stage NSCLC. Furthermore, a combinational approach of third-generation EGFR TKI with chemotherapy or amivantamab was associated with prolonged progression-free survival. The role of EGFR TKIs also has been investigated in locally advanced and early stage NSCLC, including perioperative and neoadjuvant settings. However, most patients experience acquired resistance, and the resistance mechanism is quite complex and heterogeneous, highlighting the importance of tailored subsequent therapeutic approaches. Overall, this review underscores the dynamic landscape of EGFR-mutated NSCLC treatment, emphasizing the need for personalized strategies to optimize patient outcomes.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in clinical use show promise but can cause AEs, impacting patients' wellbeing and increasing costs.

This study utilized two methods: network meta-analysis (NMA) and disproportionality analysis (DA). For NMA, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to 10 September 2024, for phase II/III RCTs comparing EGFR-TKI monotherapy with chemotherapy or other EGFR-TKIs. Using STATA 18.0, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and assessed heterogeneity via Chi-squared and I2 tests. Adverse events (AEs) were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). For DA, we analyzed FAERS data (January 2004-June 2024), evaluating AE signals with reporting odds ratios (RORs) and 95% CIs; signals were considered significant if the ROR and its 95% CI lower bound exceeded 1. Primary outcomes for NMA included all-grade AEs, grade ≥3 AEs, specific AEs, and AE-related mortality. For DA, outcomes included EGFR-TKI as the primary AE cause, time from treatment to AE, and AE-related mortality.

NMA: 48% of EGFR-TKI patients experienced AEs, with 32.7% being severe. Afatinib showed highest toxicity; Icotinib was safest. Osimertinib was associated with highest risks of leukopenia (8%) and thrombocytopenia (9%). DA: Osimertinib had strongest links to cardiac diseases and blood/lymphatic disorders. Gefitinib had the strongest signal for interstitial lung diseases; Erlotinib for anorexia. Most AEs occurred within 30 days, but cardiac disorders had a median onset of 41 days. Osimertinib had the highest AE-related mortality, with cardiac disorders leading in fatalities.

This study used NMA and DA to explore EGFR-TKI-related AEs. Drugs varied in AE profiles, mostly mild, but Osimertinib and Dacomitinib were associated with more severe events. Osimertinib carried a high cardiac risk, delayed onset, and high mortality. Thus, comprehensive patient assessment and close monitoring are crucial with EGFR-TKI use.

Background: Approximately 25-30% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are diagnosed when the disease is still resectable, although the risk of recurrence is significant. Recently, approaches based on targeted agents or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have modified the management of such patients. However, some questions remain unanswered. Objectives: Our aim is to assess the current evidence on approaches involving targeted agents and ICIs in resectable NSCLC, to provide an up-to-date overview of the subject, and to identify areas of current debate, Methods: We analyzed randomized trials on ICIs and targeted therapies in early-stage NSCLC, published or presented at international oncology meetings throughout the last 5 years. Results: Osimertinib and alectinib have shown robust results in the adjuvant setting for molecularly identified patient subgroups, while ICIs have achieved robust data in the neoadjuvant/perioperative setting, with less consistent data on the pure adjuvant approach. Circulating tumor DNA levels may offer a possible biomarker for therapeutic decisions, albeit more prospective data are needed. Conclusions: Targeted agents and ICIs are revolutionizing early-stage NSCLC, similarly to what was observed in advanced disease. Prospective studies designed to compare neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and perioperative approaches and to assess the role of circulating biomarkers are warranted.

Adjuvant osimertinib administered over a 3-year period in patients diagnosed with stage IB-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations has not only shown improvement in event-free survival but also demonstrated a prolonged overall survival (OS), leading to its approval as a standard treatment in this context. Meanwhile, no targeted studies have been conducted on the efficacy of adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors in these patients. Although studies such as IMPOWER-010 and KEYNOTE-091 have included a small number of patients with positive driver genes, no definitive conclusions regarding the OS benefit have been established. Neoadjuvant targeted therapy is not currently recommended because of insufficient evidence, characterized by a low depth of pathological response and no reported improvement in survival outcomes. The same is true for neoadjuvant immunotherapy in patients with EGFR mutations. Although numerous issues such as refining patient population selection, determining appropriate combination therapy regimens, establishing primary endpoints, assessing the influence of perioperative complications, and accurately evaluating the clinical application of circulating tumor DNA in various scenarios exist, several promising ongoing trials, including ADAURA2 and NEOADURA, are expected to provide valuable insights that will help address these questions. Here, we summarize the available evidence and clinical issues that need to be considered to optimize clinical decision-making for patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

The efficacy of molecularly targeted agents has been established in advanced lung cancer, and their indications have recently expanded to include perioperative treatment of resectable lung cancer. For epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive patients, postoperative adjuvant therapy with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is available in Japan following the results of the ADAURA trial. In addition to EGFR-TKIs, postoperative adjuvant therapy with TKIs targeting anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and rearranged during transfection (RET) is expected to be established. On the other hand, because adjuvant chemotherapy is ineffective in patients who have been completely cured of cancer through surgery alone, the balance between efficacy and adverse effects must be considered, and further studies will be needed to determine the necessary and sufficient dosage and the appropriate duration of administration. In addition, the cost of adjuvant chemotherapy has recently become an issue that cannot be overlooked. Therefore, it will be imperative to develop biomarkers to effectively narrow down the patients who benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

Although clinical trials of systemic chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have included both postoperative recurrence and de novo unresectable cases, postoperative recurrence is reported to have a better efficacy and prognosis. However, there are no efficacy data of first-line osimertinib for postoperative recurrence.

We conducted a post hoc analysis of a multicenter, prospective, observational study that evaluated the efficacy of first-line osimertinib in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive NSCLC. The patients were divided into two groups: those with postoperative recurrence (recurrence group, n = 167) and those with de novo unresectable disease (de novo group, n = 385).

The recurrence group had a significantly better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS, p < 0.001) and fewer bone metastases (p < 0.001), brain metastases (p < 0.001), cancer pleurisy (p = 0.006), pleural dissemination (p = 0.003), liver metastases (p = 0.017), and adrenal metastases (p = 0.009) at the start of osimertinib than the de novo group. The recurrence group had a significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than the de novo group (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.62, 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.49-0.81, p < 0.001; and HR = 0.58, 95 % CI, 0.43-0.79, p < 0.001, respectively). In a 1:1 propensity score-matching analysis, the matched recurrence group had significantly better PFS and OS than the matched de novo group (HR = 0.72, 95 % CI, 0.52-0.99, p = 0.034; and HR = 0.65, 95 % CI, 0.44-0.95, p < 0.001, respectively).

Patients with EGFR-positive NSCLC and postoperative recurrence have a better ECOG-PS and fewer distant metastases at the start of first-line osimertinib, and better PFS and OS than those with de novo unresectable disease. Postoperative recurrence should be considered as a stratification factor in future clinical trials for advanced EGFR-positive NSCLC.

Given that immunotherapy has resulted in a significant overall survival (OS) benefit in advanced-stage disease, it is of notable interest to determine the effectiveness of these agents in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The potential exists for the immunotherapeutic approach in early-stage NSCLC to mirror the paradigm seen in advanced NSCLC, wherein survival enhancements have notably benefited the majority of patients. However, their performance in early-stage epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant NSCLC is controversial. In the limited studies that included patients with EGFR mutation status, we found unexpected, good survival benefits of perioperative immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in resectable EGFR-positive NSCLC, which is controversial with those in advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC. It is possible because of the shift toward immunosuppression that the immune environment undergoes during tumor progression. In the early disease stages, the anti-tumor immune response can be activated with fewer hindrances. In the context of EGFR mutant tumors, intratumor genetic heterogeneity can generate treatment-sensitive and -resistant subclones. The subclonality of the resistant subclone is pivotal in therapy response, with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) selectively controlling EGFR-mutant cell proliferation and "competitive release" potentially explaining lower pathological responses in adjuvant TKIs trials. This review delves into emerging data on perioperative treatment modalities for early-stage EGFR mutant NSCLC, exploring unique mechanisms and predictive biomarkers to guide perioperative management strategies.

The field of oncology has witnessed remarkable progress in personalized cancer therapy. Functional precision medicine has emerged as a promising avenue for achieving superior treatment outcomes by integrating omics profiling and sensitivity testing of patient-derived cancer cells. This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of the evolution of cancer-directed drugs, resistance mechanisms, and the role of functional precision medicine platforms in revolutionizing individualized treatment strategies. Using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, and advanced functional assays has significantly improved our understanding of tumor behavior and drug response. This progress will lead to identifying more effective treatments for more patients. Considering the limited eligibility of patients based on a genome-targeted approach for receiving targeted therapy, functional precision medicine provides unprecedented opportunities for customizing medical interventions according to individual patient traits and individual drug responses. This review delineates the current landscape, explores limitations, and presents future perspectives to inspire ongoing advancements in functional precision medicine for personalized cancer therapy.

The ever-growing knowledge regarding NSCLC molecular biology has brought innovative therapies into clinical practice; however, the treatment situation in the non-metastatic setting is rapidly evolving. Indeed, immunotherapy-based perioperative treatments are currently considered the standard of care for patients with resectable NSCLC in the absence of EGFR mutations or ALK gene rearrangements. Recently, data have been presented on the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the adjuvant and locally advanced setting for patients with NSCLC harboring such driver gene alterations. The aim of the current work is to review the available evidence on the use of targeted treatments in the non-metastatic setting, together with a summary of the ongoing trials designed for actionable gene alterations other than EGFR and ALK. To date, 3-year adjuvant osimertinib treatment has been demonstrated to improve DFS and OS and to reduce CNS recurrence in resected EGFR-mutated NSCLC in stage IB-IIIA (TNM 7th edition). The use of osimertinib after chemo-radiation in stage III unresectable EGFR-mutated NSCLC showed the relevant PFS improvement. In the ALK-positive setting, 2-year alectinib treatment was shown to clearly improve DFS compared to adjuvant standard chemotherapy in resected NSCLC with stage IB (≥4 cm)-IIIA (TNM 7th edition). Several trials are ongoing to establish the optimal adjuvant TKI treatment duration, as well as neoadjuvant TKI strategies in EGFR- and ALK-positive disease, and (neo)adjuvant targeted treatments in patients with actionable gene alterations other than EGFR or ALK. In conclusion, our review depicts how the current treatment scenario is expected to rapidly change in the context of non-metastatic NSCLC with actionable gene alterations, hence appropriate molecular testing from the early stages has become crucial to establish the most adequate approaches both in the perioperative and the locally advanced disease.

Osimertinib is a recommended treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and as adjuvant treatment for resected EGFR-mutated NSCLC. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors have shown preliminary efficacy in unresectable stage III EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

In this phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned patients with unresectable EGFR-mutated stage III NSCLC without progression during or after chemoradiotherapy to receive osimertinib or placebo until disease progression occurred (as assessed by blinded independent central review) or the regimen was discontinued. The primary end point was progression-free survival as assessed by blinded independent central review.

A total of 216 patients who had undergone chemoradiotherapy were randomly assigned to receive osimertinib (143 patients) or placebo (73 patients). Osimertinib resulted in a significant progression-free survival benefit as compared with placebo: the median progression-free survival was 39.1 months with osimertinib versus 5.6 months with placebo, with a hazard ratio for disease progression or death of 0.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10 to 0.24; P<0.001). The percentage of patients who were alive and progression free at 12 months was 74% (95% CI, 65 to 80) with osimertinib and 22% (95% CI, 13 to 32) with placebo. Interim overall survival data (maturity, 20%) showed 36-month overall survival among 84% of patients with osimertinib (95% CI, 75 to 89) and 74% with placebo (95% CI, 57 to 85), with a hazard ratio for death of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.42 to 1.56; P = 0.53). The incidence of adverse events of grade 3 or higher was 35% in the osimertinib group and 12% in the placebo group; radiation pneumonitis (majority grade, 1 to 2) was reported in 48% and 38%, respectively. No new safety concerns emerged.

Treatment with osimertinib resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival than placebo in patients with unresectable stage III EGFR-mutated NSCLC. (Funded by AstraZeneca; LAURA ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03521154.).

New treatment paradigms for resectable nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with an emphasis on personalised care and a multidisciplinary approach, have significantly improved patient outcomes. The incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors into neoadjuvant, perioperative and adjuvant treatment algorithms is reshaping the standard of care for resectable NSCLC. Adjuvant targeted therapy trials have also paved the way for a much-needed personalised approach for patients with actionable genomic alterations. Innovative surgical techniques and judicious use of postoperative radiotherapy may mitigate the toxicity associated with a multimodality approach. Amid the many new treatment options, questions remain about the best approach to consider for each patient. Measurement of minimal residual disease and achievement of pathological complete response are emerging biomarkers of interest to help further refine treatment selection. This review summarises the current management of resectable NSCLC, focusing on ongoing and recent advances in surgical approaches, the role of postoperative radiotherapy and the rapidly changing field of systemic therapies.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is operable still carries a high risk of recurrence, approaching 50% of all operable cases despite adding adjuvant chemotherapy. However, the utilization of immunotherapy and targeted therapy moving beyond the metastatic NSCLC setting and into early-stage perioperative management has generated tremendous enthusiasm and has been practice-changing. Adjuvant atezolizumab in NSCLC first demonstrated a clinical benefit with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Then, with studies studying a significant benefit in major pathologic response in surgical patients treated preoperatively with immunotherapy compared to only chemotherapy, neoadjuvant nivolumab and chemotherapy were evaluated and showed significant event-free survival benefit leading to subsequent studies evaluating perioperative immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Meanwhile, with regards to targeted therapies, adjuvant osimertinib in EGFR-mutated NSCLC and adjuvant alectinib in ALK-rearranged NSCLC have both received regulatory approvals following demonstrated clinical benefit in clinical trials. With rapidly evolving changes in the field, new combinations such as multiple immunotherapy agents and antibody-drug conjugates in development, perioperative NSCLC management has quickly become complicated with different pathways to perioperative treatment. Furthermore, circulating tumor DNA and studies looking at better tools to prognosticate immunotherapy response will help with decision-making regarding which patients should receive immunotherapy and if so, either only pre-operatively or both pre- and post-operatively. In this review, we look at the evolution of systemic therapy in the perioperative setting from adjuvant chemotherapy to adjuvant immunotherapy to perioperative immunotherapy and look at perioperative targeted therapy while looking ahead to future considerations.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remain the frontline standard of care for patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. An updated toxicity profile of EGFR-TKIs proves valuable in guiding clinical decision making.

This study comprehensively assessed the risk of EGFR-TKI-related adverse events (AEs) involving different systems/organs.

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for phase III randomized controlled trials comparing EGFR-TKI monotherapy with placebo or chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The odds ratio (OR) of all-grade and high-grade adverse events (AEs) including dermatologic, gastrointestinal, hematologic, hepatic, and respiratory events was pooled for a meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses based on the control arm (placebo or chemotherapy) and individual EGFR-TKIs (erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib, dacomitinib, and osimertinib) were conducted.

Thirty-four randomized controlled trials comprising 15,887 patients were included. The pooled OR showed EGFR-TKIs were associated with a significantly increased risk of all-grade dermatologic AEs including paronychia, pruritus, rash, skin exfoliation, and skin fissures, gastrointestinal AEs including abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, mouth ulceration, and stomatitis, hepatic AEs including elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and respiratory AEs including epistaxis, interstitial lung disease and rhinorrhea. Furthermore, a significantly increased risk of high-grade rash (OR 7.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.11, 12.00), diarrhea (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.44, 3.05), elevated alanine aminotransferase (OR 3.93, 95% CI 1.71, 9.03), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.05, 9.92) and interstitial lung disease (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.38, 4.01) was observed in patients receiving EGFR-TKIs. When stratified by individual EGFR-TKIs, gefitinib showed a significant association with all-grade and high-grade hepatotoxicity and interstitial lung disease.

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors were associated with a significantly increased risk of various types of AEs. Clinicians should be vigilant about the risks of these EGFR-TKI-related AEs, particularly for severe hepatotoxicity and interstitial lung disease, to facilitate early detection and proper management.

Introduction: Lung cancer remains a global health concern, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprising the majority of cases. Early detection of lung cancer has led to an increased number of cases identified in the earlier stages of NSCLC. This required the revaluation of the NSCLC treatment approaches for early stage NSCLC. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search using multiple databases to identify relevant studies on treatment modalities for early stage NSCLC. Inclusion criteria prioritized, but were not limited to, clinical trials and meta-analyses on surgical approaches to early stage NSCLC conducted from 2021 onwards. Discussion: Minimally invasive approaches, such as VATS and RATS, along with lung resection techniques, including sublobar resection, have emerged as treatments for early stage NSCLC. Ground-glass opacities (GGOs) have shown prognostic significance, especially when analyzing the consolidation/tumor ratio (CTR). There have also been updates on managing GGOs, including the non-surgical approaches, the extent of lung resection indicated, and the level of lymphadenectomy required. Conclusions: The management of early stage NSCLC requires a further assessment of treatment strategies. This includes understanding the required extent of surgical resection, interpreting the significance of GGOs (specifically GGOs with a high CTR), and evaluating the efficacy of alternative therapies. Customized treatment involving surgical and non-surgical interventions is essential for advancing patient care.

In patients with oligometastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), systemic therapy in combination with local ablative treatment of the primary tumour and all metastatic sites is associated with improved prognosis. For patient selection and treatment allocation, further knowledge about the molecular characteristics of the oligometastatic state is necessary. Here, we performed a genetic characterization of primary NSCLC and corresponding brain metastases (BM).

We retrospectively identified patients with oligometastatic NSCLC and synchronous (<3 months) or metachronous (>3 months) BM who underwent surgical resection of both primary tumour and BM. Mutation profiling of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour cell blocks was performed by targeted next-generation sequencing using the Oncomine Focus Assay panel.

Sequencing was successful in 46 paired samples. An oncogenic alteration was present in 31 primary tumours (67.4%) and 40 BM (86.9%). The alteration of the primary tumours was preserved in the corresponding BM in 29 out of 31 cases (93.5%). The most prevalent oncogenic driver in both primary tumours and BM was a KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene) mutation (s = 21). In 16 patients (34.8%), the BM harboured additional oncogenic alterations. The presence of a private genetic alteration in the BM was an independent predictor of shorter overall survival.

In oligometastatic NSCLC, BM retain the main genetic alterations of the primary tumours. Patients may profit from targeted inhibition of mutated KRAS. Additional private genetic alterations in the BM are dismal.

Current research in EGFR-mutated NSCLC focuses on the management of drug resistance and uncommon mutations, as well as on the opportunity to extend targeted therapies' field of action to earlier stages of disease.

We conducted a review analyzing literature from the PubMed database with the aim to describe the current state of art in the management of EGFR-mutated NSCLC, but also to explore new strategies under investigation. To this purpose, we collected recruiting phase II-III trials registered on Clinicaltrials.govand conducted on EGFR-mutated NSCLC both in early and advanced stage.

With this review, we want to provide an exhaustive overview of current and new potential treatments in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, with emphasis on the most promising newly investigated strategies, such as association therapies in the first-line setting involving EGFR-TKIs and chemotherapy (FLAURA2) or drugs targeting different driver pathways (MARIPOSA). We also aimed at unearthing challenges to achieve in this field, specifically the need to fully exploit already available compounds while developing new ones, the management of new emerging toxicities and the necessity to improve our biological understanding of the disease to design trials with a solid scientific rationale and to allow treatment personalization such in case of uncommon mutations.

Durvalumab improves survival when used as consolidation therapy after chemoradiation (CRT) in patients with stage III NSCLC. The optimal consolidation therapy for patients with EGFR-mutant (EGFRmut) stage III NSCLC remains unknown.

In this multi-institutional, international retrospective analysis across 24 institutions, we evaluated outcomes in patients with stage III EGFRmut NSCLC treated with concurrent CRT followed by consolidation therapy with osimertinib, durvalumab, or observation between 2015 and 2022. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS, primary end point) and overall survival (secondary end point). Treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) during consolidation treatment were defined using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used.

Of 136 patients with stage III EGFRmut NSCLC treated with definitive concurrent CRT, 56 received consolidation durvalumab, 33 received consolidation osimertinib, and 47 was on observation alone. Baseline characteristics were similar across the three cohorts. With a median follow-up of 46 months for the entire cohort, the median duration of treatment was not reached (NR) for osimertinib (interquartile range: NR-NR) and was 5.5 (interquartile range: 2.4-10.8) months with durvalumab. After adjusting for nodal status, stage III A/B/C, and age, patients treated with consolidation osimertinib had significantly longer 24-month rwPFS compared to those treated with durvalumab or in the observation cohorts (osimertinib: 86%, durvalumab: 30%, observation: 27%, p < 0.001 for both comparisons). There was no difference in rwPFS between the durvalumab and the observation cohorts. No significant difference in overall survival across the three cohorts was detected, likely due to the limited follow-up. Any-grade trAE occurred in 52% (2 [6.1%] grade ≥3) and 48% (10 [18%] grade ≥3) of patients treated with osimertinib and durvalumab, respectively. Of 45 patients who progressed on consolidation durvalumab, 37 (82%) subsequently received EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Of these, 14 (38%) patients developed trAEs including five patients with pneumonitis (14%; 2 [5.4%] grade ≥3) and five patients with diarrhea (14%; 1 [2.7%] grade ≥3).

This study suggests that among patients with stage III unresectable NSCLC with a sensitizing EGFR mutation, consolidation osimertinib was associated with a significantly longer rwPFS compared to durvalumab or observation. No unanticipated safety signals were observed with consolidation osimertinib.

We aimed to clarify the risk factors for postoperative recurrence in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated stage I lung adenocarcinoma, using EGFR wild-type adenocarcinoma as a comparator, to select optimal candidates for adjuvant therapy with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI).

Data of patients with pathologic stage I EGFR-mutated (n = 713) and wild-type (n = 673) adenocarcinoma who did not receive adjuvant therapy were retrospectively analyzed. The cumulative incidence of recurrence (CIR) was estimated using Gray's method, and multivariable Fine-Gray competing risk models identified independent risk factors associated with recurrence.

The CIR did not differ significantly between patients with EGFR-mutated and wild-type adenocarcinoma (P = .32). Multivariable analysis revealed that greater size (cm) of invasive tumor (hazard ratio 1.539; 95% CI, 1.077-2.201), lymphovascular invasion (hazard ratio 5.180; 95% CI, 2.208-12.15), pleural invasion (hazard ratio 3.388; 95% CI, 1.524-7.533), and high-grade histologic subtype (hazard ratio 4.295; 95% CI, 1.539-11.99) were independent risk factors for recurrence in patients with EGFR-mutated adenocarcinoma. The 5-year CIR was significantly higher among patients with these factors (tumor size greater than 2 cm, 15.9%; lymphovascular invasion, 26.9%; pleural invasion, 39.3%; and high-grade subtype, 44.4%) than among patients without them (4.4%, 2.2%, 3.9%, and 5%, respectively; P < .001). For patients with EGFR wild-type adenocarcinoma, independent risk factors for recurrence were invasive tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, and pleural invasion, but not histologic subtypes.

Even for patients with EGFR-mutated stage I lung adenocarcinoma, recurrence risk is stratified. Adjuvant therapy may be considered if they have high-risk factors for recurrence.

Druggable oncogene-driven non-small cell lung cancer has led to innovative systemic treatment options, improving patients' outcome. This benefit is not only achieved in the metastatic setting but also in the postsurgical setting, such as in lung cancers harboring a common sensitizing EGFR mutation or ALK-rearrangement. To enhance the outcome of these patients, we need to understand the mechanisms of acquired resistance and evaluate the role of new drugs with novel mechanisms of action in the treatment landscape. In this chapter, we review treatment strategies of EGFR-mutant tumors in all stages, the mechanisms of acquired strategies, and novel therapies in this subset.

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) recommended for the patients with subsolid nodule in early lung cancer stage is not routinely. The clinical value and impact in patients with EGFR mutation on survival outcomes is further needed to be elucidated to decide whether the application of EGFR-TKIs was appropriate in early lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) stage appearing as subsolid nodules.

The inclusion of patients exhibiting clinical staging of IA-IIB subsolid nodules. Clinical information, computed tomography (CT) features before surgical resection and pathological characteristics including tertiary lymphoid structures of the tumors were recorded for further exploration of correlation with EGFR mutation and prognosis.

Finally, 325 patients were enrolled into this study, with an average age of 56.8 ± 9.8 years. There are 173 patients (53.2%) harboring EGFR mutation. Logistic regression model analysis showed that female (OR = 1.944, p = 0.015), mix ground glass nodule (OR = 2.071, p = 0.003, bubble-like lucency (OR = 1.991, p = 0.003) were significant risk factors of EGFR mutations. Additionally, EGFR mutations were negatively correlated with TLS presence and density. Prognosis analysis showed that the presence of TLS was associated with better recurrence-free survival (RFS)(p = 0.03) while EGFR mutations were associated with worse RFS(p = 0.01). The RFS in patients with TLS was considerably excel those without TLS within EGFR wild type group(p = 0.018). Multivariate analyses confirmed that EGFR mutation was an independent prognostic predictor for RFS (HR = 3.205, p = 0.037).

In early-phase LUADs, subsolid nodules with EGFR mutation had specific clinical and radiological signatures. EGFR mutation was associated with worse survival outcomes and negatively correlated with TLS, which might weaken the positive impact of TLS on prognosis. Highly attention should be paid to the use of EGFR-TKI for further treatment as agents in early LUAD patients who carrying EGFR mutation.

Few epidemiological data are available on surgically treated Caucasian patients with non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. The main objective of this study was to describe, in the real-world setting, these patients' incidence, clinical, and tumoral characteristics.

The participating centers included all consecutive localized non-squamous NSCLC patients undergoing surgery between January 2018 and December 2019 in France. EGFR status was determined retrospectively when not available before surgery.

The study includes 1391 no squamous NSCLC patients from 16 centers; EGFR status was determined before surgery in 692 (49.7%) of the cases and conducted as part of the study for 699 (50.3%); 171 (12.3%) were EGFR mutated; median age: 70 (range: 36-88) years; female: 59.6%; never smokers: 75.7%; non-squamous histology 97.7%, programmed death ligand-1 expression 0%/1-49%/⩾50 in 60.5%/25.7%/13.8%, respectively. Surgery was predominantly lobectomy (81%) or segmentectomy (14.9%), with systematic lymph node dissection in 95.9%. Resection completeness was R0 for 97%. Post-surgery staging was as follows: IA: 52%, IB: 16%, IIA: 4%, IIB: 10%, IIIA: 16%, and IIIB: 0.05%; EGFR mutation exon was Del19/exon 21 (L858R)/20/18 in 37.4%/36.8%/14%, and 6.4% of cases, respectively; 31 (18%) patients received adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy: 93%, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor: 0%, radiotherapy: 20%). After a median follow-up of 31 (95% confidence interval: 29.6-33.1) months, 45 (26%) patients relapsed: 11/45 (24%) locally and 34 (76%) with metastatic progression. Median disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival were not reached and 3-year DFS was 60%.

This real-world analysis provides the incidence and outcomes of resected EGFR-mutated NSCLCs in a European patient cohort.

Treatment with 3 years of adjuvant osimertinib is considered a new standard in patients with completely resected stage I to IIIA NSCLC harboring a common sensitizing EGFR mutation. This therapeutic approach significantly prolonged the disease-free survival and the overall survival versus placebo and revealed a significant role in preventing the occurrence of brain metastases. However, many unanswered questions remain, including the optimal duration of this therapy, whether all patients benefit from adjuvant osimertinib, and the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in this population. Indeed, there is a renewed interest in neoadjuvant strategies with targeted therapies in resectable NSCLC harboring oncogenic drivers. In light of these considerations, we discuss the past and current treatment options, and the clinical challenges that should be addressed to optimize the treatment outcomes in this patient population.

Modern precision medicine requires drug development to account for patients' heterogeneity, as only a subgroup of the patient population is likely to benefit from the targeted therapy. In this paper, we propose a novel method for subgroup identification based on a genetic algorithm. The proposed method can detect promising subgroups defined by predictive biomarkers in which the treatment effects are much higher than the population average. The main idea is to search for the subgroup with the greatest predictive ability in the entire subgroup space via a genetic algorithm. We design a real-valued representation of subgroups that evolves according to a genetic algorithm and derive an objective function that properly evaluates the predictive ability of the subgroups. Compared with model- or tree-based subgroup identification methods, the distinctive search strategy of this new approach offers an improved capability to explore subgroups defined by multiple predictive biomarkers. By embedding a resampling scheme, the multiplicity and complexity issues inherent in subgroup identification methods can be addressed flexibly. We evaluate the performance of the proposed method in comparison with two other methods using simulation studies and a real-world example. The results show that the proposed method exhibits good properties in terms of multiplicity and complexity control, and the subgroups identified are much more accurate. Although we focus on the implementation of censored survival data, this method could easily be extended for the realization of continuous and categorical endpoints.