Treating EGFR-Mutated NSCLC - 10/15/24 - Lung Cancer Living Room™

In this episode of GO2 for Lung Cancer's Living Room series, Shane Dormady, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist at El Camino Health, delves into EGFR-mutated lung cancer. Joined by GO2's Chief Patient Officer, Danielle Hicks, they explore the evolution of targeted therapies, specifically those related to EGFR-mutated lung cancer, and their impact on lung cancer treatment.

Dr. Dormady highlights the groundbreaking shift from traditional chemotherapy to targeted therapies that act like guided missiles, offering more effective and less toxic treatments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of comprehensive biomarker testing, including liquid biopsies, for identifying specific mutations and personalizing treatment plans. He discusses the strategic use of both liquid and tissue biopsies, emphasizing that while liquid biopsies provide faster results crucial for timely treatment decisions, tissue biopsies remain the gold standard to ensure comprehensive detection of mutations. He also highlights the importance of repeated biopsies over time, as these help identify new mutations that may develop as the tumor evolves, allowing for adjustments to treatment plans.

Dr. Dormady discusses the benefits of combining targeted therapies with chemotherapy and explains how these approaches have significantly improved patient outcomes. The video also addresses the critical need for testing in both early and later-stage cancers and shares insights on monitoring treatment progress through advanced diagnostics, such as circulating tumor DNA tests.

Dr. Dormady highlights the increasing focus on both neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies in the treatment of EGFR-positive lung cancer, especially in early-stage surgical candidates. This approach allows for the integration of targeted therapies that can shrink tumors before surgery and reduce recurrence risk post-surgery. The FLAURA trial was pivotal in demonstrating the superior efficacy of osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor, which showed significant improvements in progression-free and overall survival. This trial has influenced the standard of care, underscoring osimertinib’s effectiveness as both a frontline treatment and part of a combined therapy strategy to maximize patient outcomes.

Throughout, Dr. Dormady stresses the importance of finding a healthcare team that actively fights for the patient's well-being, embraces innovation, and approaches cancer treatment as a competitive battle to be won. He underscores the hope that these medical advancements can turn advanced-stage lung cancer into a manageable chronic condition, akin to diabetes.

Stay connected for future GO2 Living Room series events by texting "LIVING ROOM" to 844-871-7558 for updates.

[catherinemendoza-do]

Had no idea these blood test were available. Dr. Dormady's message of staying ahead of the cancer is an important one. Thank you!