Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has welcomed a decision by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to approve amivantamab, in combination with lazertinib, as a treatment option for some people with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
The treatment has been approved for adults whose cancer has specific changes (mutations) in a gene known as EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor). Specifically, exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations, and who have not received treatment for their advanced disease.
What does this mean for patients?
Non-small-cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. Around 10–15% of people with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in the UK have tumours with EGFR mutations. These genetic changes cause cancer cells to grow and divide more quickly.
Testing for EGFR mutations is already part of routine care for many patients diagnosed with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. If a tumour tests positive for one of these mutations, patients may now be offered this newly approved combination treatment as a first option.
Amivantamab is a targeted therapy that attaches to specific proteins on cancer cells, helping to block signals that tell the cancer to grow. Lazertinib is a tablet that also targets the EGFR mutation inside cancer cells. Used together, they slow cancer growth more effectively than some existing treatments.
Clinical trials have shown that the combination can help delay cancer progression.
A positive step forward
Paula Chadwick, Chief Executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said:
“This is an important step forward for people diagnosed with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations. Targeted treatments are transforming the outlook for some patients by offering more personalised and effective options.
“At Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, we know how vital it is that patients have access to the latest evidence-based treatments as quickly as possible. This decision by NICE means eligible patients across England can benefit from another treatment option that could help control their cancer for longer and improve quality of life.”
The importance of testing
The Foundation is also encouraging patients and healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive biomarker testing takes place at the diagnosis of advanced lung cancer. Identifying EGFR mutations is essential to determine whether patients are eligible for targeted treatments like this one.
While lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, advances in research and precision medicine are steadily improving outcomes for many patients.
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation will continue to campaign for faster diagnosis, equitable access to treatment, and increased research investment so that more people can live longer, better lives after a lung cancer diagnosis.