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| Image Credit: Google |
A new clinical
trial has revealed promising results for a daily pill that can reduce the risk
of death by half in patients with a specific type of lung cancer.
The trial data
was presented at the annual conference of cancer specialists in Chicago. Data
showcased the effectiveness of the drug “Osimertinib”, also known as “Tagrisso.”
The treatment,
developed by pharmaceutical group AstraZeneca, targets a particular mutation
found in non-small cell lung cancer, the most common form of the disease.
Reduced Risk of
Death:
According to
the results presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
meeting, patients who underwent surgical removal of their tumors and
subsequently took “Osimertinib” experienced a remarkable 51 percent reduction
in the risk of death compared to those who received a placebo, the pill already
in use to treat cancer.
The clinical
trial involved over 680 participants from more than 20 countries, all in the
early stages of the disease.
Impressive
Survival Rates:
After five
years, the study showed that 88 percent of patients who received the treatment
were still alive, compared to 78 percent of patients in the placebo group.
This survival
rate demonstrates the significant impact of “Osimertinib” on preventing the
spread of cancer to vital organs such as the brain, liver, and bones.
The drug's
ability to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is key
to its success.
Advancement in
Personalized Therapy:
Experts in the
field have hailed the trial data as impressive and ground-breaking.
The findings
pave the way for personalized therapy options for patients with non-small cell
lung cancer.
By identifying
patients with the EGFR mutation, doctors can determine if “Osimertinib” is an
appropriate treatment choice.
This approach
marks a shift away from a one-size-fits-all treatment approach for this
specific type of lung cancer.
Importance of
Screening:
Screening
patients for the EGFR mutation is crucial in determining the suitability of “Osimertinib”
as a treatment.
Doctors stress
the need for thorough testing to ensure that the new treatment is utilized
effectively. As such, identifying the mutation is a prerequisite for
administering this targeted therapy.
Wide Usage and
Side Effects:
Osimertinib has
already received authorization for various indications in numerous countries
and has been administered to approximately 700,000 individuals.
The drug's approval
in the United States for early-stage treatment was based on previous data
indicating improved disease-free survival.
While the
treatment has shown remarkable benefits, it is essential to note that “Osimertinib”
may cause side effects such as severe fatigue, skin rashes, and diarrhea.
A Nutshell:
- The clinical trial results for “Osimertinib” represent a significant breakthrough in lung cancer treatment.
- The daily pill has demonstrated its ability to dramatically reduce the risk of death and improve long-term survival rates in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
- The findings highlight the importance of personalized therapy and the necessity of screening patients for the EGFR mutation to maximize treatment effectiveness.
- With further research and adoption, “Osimertinib” has the potential to revolutionize the management of this deadly disease.
(Credit:
Al-Jazeera)
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