People newly diagnosed with a certain type of advanced lung cancer could soon benefit from a new combination treatment that may help them live longer and keep their cancer stable.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended a combination of osimertinib, a targeted cancer drug, with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy for people with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has specific EGFR mutations (exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R).
Until now, the standard first-line treatment for these patients has been osimertinib alone. However, new evidence from clinical trials suggests that combining osimertinib with chemotherapy could be more effective at delaying the cancer’s progression—and may even help people live longer.
There are still some unknowns. We don’t yet have long-term data on exactly how much longer people live with this new combination, or how long they stay on the treatment. But the results so far are encouraging enough that NICE has approved it as a new treatment option for the NHS.
“New treatments give tangible hope, and hope is our rocket fuel”
For people like Mel, who was diagnosed with EGFR-positive advanced NSCLC in 2024, every new approval brings renewed hope for those living with this disease.
“Like many people, I am a fully fledged member of the osi fan club,” says Mel. “I’ve been taking the drug for a year now and have had minimal side effects. It’s allowing me to live my life and do all those beautiful normal everyday things.
“Every time a new treatment announcement is made – whether that treatment applies to your type of lung cancer or not – it reminds you of all the incredible work and progress in the treatment of lung cancer. It’s tangible hope and, when you live with advanced cancer, hope is your rocket fuel.”
“A meaningful step forward”
At Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, we welcome this decision and believe it is a positive step for people affected by EGFR-positive lung cancer.
“This recommendation from NICE is a meaningful step forward,” says Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
“People with lung cancer deserve access to the best available treatments. While there’s still more to learn about the long-term effects of this combination, it offers new hope—and that’s something no one should underestimate.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with EGFR-positive lung cancer and have questions about this new treatment, our support team is here to help. Call our free helpline on 0800 358 7200 or send us a message – we’re here to support you every step of the way.