The APPLE trial compared upfront osimertinib with sequential TKIs in EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
The trial included three study arms with different treatment strategies and endpoints focused on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Results suggest no significant difference in OS between upfront osimertinib and sequential TKIs, with both showing comparable outcomes.
The study highlighted the importance of early switch to osimertinib for patients with the EGFR T790M mutation detected in plasma ctDNA.
Brain metastasis control was superior with upfront osimertinib, emphasizing the significance of treatment choice for patients with brain metastases.
Serial ctDNA monitoring in the trial showed correlation with improved PFS, indicating its potential as a prognostic biomarker and guiding therapeutic decisions.
The cost-effectiveness and assay methods of ctDNA testing were discussed, raising considerations for real-world clinical implementation.
Overall, the APPLE trial reaffirmed osimertinib as the standard of care in first-line EGFR-mutant NSCLC, highlighting the need for predictive biomarkers in treatment selection.
The results contribute to the evolving treatment landscape, urging further research on biomarkers to guide optimal therapeutic strategies.
Subject of Research: Comparison of upfront osimertinib and sequential TKIs in EGFR mutated NSCLC patients.
Article Title: The APPLE’s core question—upfront osimertinib versus the sequential approach for EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer.
News Publication Date: 25-Feb-2025.
References: Several key studies and trials cited, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and evidence-based practice in lung cancer treatment.