Evolving treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer harbouring common EGFR activating mutations

Abstract

A clinically important subgroup of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is driven by common mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Over the past decade, first-, second-, and third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have substantially improved clinical outcomes, although acquired resistance inevitably emerges. In particular, the third-generation TKI osimertinib has demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to earlier-generation TKIs in the frontline setting, yet median OS remains approximately three years in pivotal trials. Efforts to extend disease control have led to various upfront intensification strategies, including combining EGFR TKIs with antiangiogenics or chemotherapy (e.g., the FLAURA-2 trial), and pairing novel bispecific antibodies such as amivantamab with third-generation TKIs. Upon progression on third-generation EGFR TKIs, platinum-based chemotherapy remains the standard second-line treatment, albeit with modest response rates. Emerging therapies targeting MET amplification (e.g., savolitinib plus osimertinib), leveraging antibody–drug conjugates (e.g., patritumab deruxtecan), or adding immunotherapy and antiangiogenics have shown preliminary promise in overcoming resistance. Ongoing trials are assessing optimal treatment sequencing and the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to guide therapy escalation or de-escalation. Ultimately, the evolving landscape of EGFR-mutant NSCLC underscores the need for refined biomarker-driven approaches and personalized regimens to achieve further gains in survival. In this review, we discuss these strategies in detail, highlighting current evidence and future directions for EGFR-mutant NSCLC treatment.