Osimertinib as a neoadjuvant therapy in resectable EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer: a real-world, multicenter retrospective study

Background: Osimertinib, a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has been authorized for use in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of neoadjuvant osimertinib in individuals with resectable locally advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR mutation.

Methods: Ten centers located in mainland China took part in a single-arm, real-world, multicenter retrospective study (registration number: ChiCTR2100049954). Enrollment included individuals with lung adenocarcinoma who had EGFR mutations. Following the administration of osimertinib, the patients underwent a surgical procedure for resection. The main endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). The subsequent endpoint analyzed was the joint assessment of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results: From July 31, 2018 to April 28, 2023, a total of 38 individuals were involved and received neoadjuvant osimertinib treatment. The ORR was 60.5% (23/38). Thirty-eight patients underwent surgery, and 36 (94.7%) underwent successful R0 resection. Out of 38 patients, sixteen (42.1%) experienced adverse events (AEs) due to treatment in the neoadjuvant phase, with none of them reaching grade 3. Skin irritation [14 (36.8%)], stomach upset [5 (13.2%)], mouth sores [1 (2.6%)] and increased liver enzyme levels [1 (2.6%)] were the common AEs of treatment. The follow-up period lasted an average of 24.9 months. The 1-year OS rate is 94.2%, while the 2-year OS rate is 89.2%. The 1-year DFS rate is 87.9%, and the 2-year DFS rate remains at 87.9%.

Conclusions: In the actual clinical setting, osimertinib displays encouraging possibilities as a neoadjuvant therapy for individuals with operable EGFR-mutated NSCLC, exhibiting adequate efficacy and an acceptable safety record. The phase III clinical trial of NeoADAURA is expected to provide further efficacy and safety results.