In 2004, the discovery of activating mutations in the gene encoding for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) opened a new era for Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) treatment.
EGFR mutations occur in nearly 50% of Asian and approximately 15% of Caucasian patients with LUAD
[1]. Specifically, exon 19 deletions at codons 746–750 and L858R mutation in exon 21 account for approximately 90% of
EGFR-sensitizing mutations. Several phase 3 clinical trials have consistently shown the superior efficacy of first-generation (e.g., gefitinib, erlotinib, icotinib) and second-generation (e.g., afatinib) EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in comparison with standard first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with LUAD harboring these
EGFR-activating mutations
[2][3][4][5][6]. Despite the robust clinical activity exerted by EGFR TKIs, the majority of patients develop resistance after an average period of 9–15 months. Acquired
EGFR-dependent and
EGFR-independent genetic alterations are known to be associated with resistance to EGFR TKIs. Among them, the secondary “gatekeeper” mutation
EGFR T790M in exon 20 is the dominant resistance mechanism occurring in around 50% of patients treated with first- or second-generation TKIs
[7][8]. Osimertinib is an irreversible third-generation EGFR TKI that is highly selective for both
EGFR-activating mutations and the
EGFR T790 mutation. In the FLAURA trial, osimertinib resulted in improved survival outcomes compared to first-generation EGFR TKIs, and consequently entered in clinical practice as standard therapy for treatment-naïve patients
[9][10]. Unfortunately, similarly to patients treated with previous-generation EGFR TKIs, patients inevitably develop secondary resistance to osimertinib. In this setting, tertiary acquired mutations such as the
EGFR C797S mutation in exon 20 are reported in only 7% of patients treated with first-line osimertinib
[11][12]. In contrast, multiple co-existing molecular alterations such as
KRAS mutations,
MET amplification, small-cell transformation, and gene fusions have been observed in a considerable percentage of patients
[13][14]. The heterogeneity and coexistence of multiple molecular alterations pose a significant challenge due to the paucity of post-osimertinib pharmacological options and underline the need of new alternative approaches in order to overcome resistance.