Amivantamab and Mobocertinib in Exon 20 insertions EGFR Mutant Lung Cancer, Challenge To The Current Guidelines

In 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two drugs targeting exon 20 directly: amivantamab and mobocertinib, under the accelerated approval pathway, for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Here we discuss questions regarding the core question of an unmet need within the accelerated approval pathway, contending that equipoise remain between the new compounds and previously existing options. Second, the NCCN's guidelines are currently recommending to sequence both drugs, a recommendation that is not based on any data. Last, postmarketing requirements may not shed clarity in the setting of these approvals. Our analysis has implications beyond patients with exon 20 insertion. In an era with growing identification of new and rarer molecular entities, misguided incorporation of new compounds into practice may obstruct trial enrollment in decisive clinical trials.

Automated summary

This study discusses the questions regarding the unmet need within the accelerated approval pathway, the lack of equipoise between new compounds and existing options, the unsupported recommendation by NCCN, and the insufficient clarity provided by postmarketing requirements. The study has implications beyond patients with exon 20 insertion, as it can prevent the misguided incorporation of new compounds into clinical practice.