Osimertinib + Bevacizumab for Lung Cancer

This trial aims to compare the effects of combining two treatments, osimertinib and bevacizumab, with using osimertinib alone for non-small cell lung cancer that has spread and involves a specific gene change (EGFR mutation). Osimertinib blocks signals that cause cancer cells to grow, while bevacizumab (also known as Avastin) inhibits the formation of blood vessels that tumors need to grow. The trial seeks to determine if the combination can control cancer and extend patient survival. It suits those with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with an EGFR mutation who haven't received certain prior treatments. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering patients early access to potentially effective treatments.

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you must not be taking medications or supplements that strongly induce CYP3A4. If you are on such medications, you need to stop them before starting the trial treatment.

Research has shown that osimertinib is generally well-tolerated by patients with non-small cell lung cancer. About 22% of patients experienced serious side effects, which are quite severe. This indicates that while some side effects can occur, most patients do not face major issues.

When combined with bevacizumab, studies have found that this combination can cause more side effects than taking osimertinib alone. Although it may not significantly increase long-term survival, it helps slow the spread of cancer to the brain in patients with certain mutations.

Researchers are excited about the combination of osimertinib and bevacizumab for lung cancer because it offers a unique approach compared to standard treatments like chemotherapy or traditional EGFR inhibitors. Osimertinib is a third-generation EGFR inhibitor that targets specific mutations in cancer cells, potentially offering more precise treatment with fewer side effects. Adding bevacizumab, which inhibits blood vessel growth that tumors need to thrive, could enhance the overall effectiveness by attacking the cancer on two fronts. This combination aims to improve outcomes by increasing the duration of response and progression-free survival for patients.

Research has shown that osimertinib, which participants in this trial may receive, effectively treats non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with specific EGFR mutations, helping patients live longer. In this trial, some participants will receive osimertinib alone, while others will receive a combination of osimertinib and bevacizumab. Early results suggest that this combination can be particularly beneficial for patients whose cancer has spread to the brain, as it appears to slow cancer growth. However, while some studies show benefits from using both drugs together, others suggest it might not significantly improve long-term survival compared to using osimertinib alone. The side effects of using both drugs are generally manageable.²³⁶⁷⁸