Mohit Manrao, SVP, Head of US Oncology at AstraZeneca, shared on LinkedIn:
“This post is intended for U.S. audiences only.
Our relentless pursuit of scientific innovation takes on new meaning when we can share good news for people living with cancer.
EGFR-directed precision therapy transformed outcomes for patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) – a true breakthrough. But the reality we’ve come to understand is this: for many patients, disease progression inevitably follows.
At the same time, other driver mutations like HER2 have left patients without targeted options early in their journey.
The opportunity? Advancing precision across the continuum – from addressing resistance to intervening earlier.
Today, I’m happy to share positive Phase III results from two trials doing just that: SAFFRON and DESTINY-Lung04.
SAFFRON: Addressing resistance in EGFR-mutated NSCLC
- Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS and OS vs. platinum-based chemotherapy
- Biomarker-directed approach targeting MET in patients who progressed on prior therapy
- First global Phase III to show these benefits in this setting
This matters because MET-driven resistance affects approximately 1 in 3 patients post third-generation EGFR-TKI, who have historically had limited options.
DESTINY-Lung04: Advancing in HER2-mutant NSCLC
- Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS vs. global standard of care in 1st-line
- First Phase III to show this benefit in this setting
- Trial continues to evaluate OS
The impact: HER2-mutant NSCLC affects ~2-4% of non-squamous patients, who have historically lacked targeted 1st-line options.
This is precision medicine in action. This is what we’re fighting for. Huge thanks to the entire lung team who’ve been driving this work.
More to come.
To learn more, please see the full press releases.”
You can also read AstraZeneca and HUTCHMED’s Tagrisso-Orpathys Combination Improves PFS and OS in Phase III SAFFRON Trial on OncoDaily.
