EGFR-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer at Surgical Stages: What Is the Place for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors?

Simple Summary Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are drugs targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor. In lung cancer, they are used to treat advanced EGFR-mutant diseases, and more recently, one has been approved for adjuvant therapy. Even though publications on the topic are numerous, conclusions are difficult to interpret and are sometimes contradictory. We therefore reviewed the literature in order to present an overview of up-to-date data regarding the adjuvant and neoadjuvant use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, with particular attention given to their benefits, proven or expected, as well as what challenges could be faced when entering them as protocols in standard care. The ADAURA trial has been significant for the perception of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as a tool for early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It produced such great insight that the main TKI, Osimertinib, was rapidly integrated into international guidelines for adjuvant use. However, EGFR-mutant NSCLC is a complex entity and has various targeting drugs, and the benefits for patients might not be as clear as they seem. We reviewed trials and meta-analyses considering TKI adjuvant and neoadjuvant use. We also explored the influence of mutation variability and financial evaluations. We found that TKIs often show disease-free survival (DFS) benefits, yet studies have struggled to improve the overall survival (OS); however, the results from the literature might be confusing because of variability in the stages and mutations. The safety profiles and adverse events are acceptable, but costs remain high and accessibility might not be optimal. TKIs are promising drugs that could allow for tailored treatment designs.

Automated summary

This article reviews the latest data on the adjuvant and neoadjuvant use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, with a focus on their benefits, potential challenges, and the impact of mutation variability and financial evaluations. The review finds that tyrosine kinase inhibitors often show disease-free survival benefits, but overall survival improvement remains difficult, potentially due to variability in stages and mutations. Additionally, the safety profiles of the inhibitors are acceptable, but high costs and limited accessibility pose challenges. Overall, tyrosine kinase inhibitors offer promising opportunities for tailored treatment designs.