Resistance to the Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Osimertinib and Pharmacokinetics in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
This study is about a lung cancer drug called osimertinib, which is used for a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While effective for many, some patients don't respond well, and for others, the drug eventually stops working as the cancer becomes resistant. Researchers believe that having the right amount of osimertinib in the blood might be key to its success. They want to check if too little of the drug in the body makes it easier for the cancer to become resistant. By taking blood samples, they hope to understand better how the drug moves through the body and why resistance happens. This information could help doctors use osimertinib more effectively and predict who might benefit most from it.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study focuses on a specific treatment for a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The treatment is a drug called osimertinib. For some patients with NSCLC, their cancer cells have a particular change, almost like an 'addiction' to a protein called EGF-R. Osimertinib is designed to target and block this protein, helping to slow down or stop the cancer's growth. It's often doctors' first choice for this type of lung cancer because it has been shown to help people live longer than older drugs.
However, treatment with osimertinib doesn't work the same for everyone. Some patients don't respond well, and even when it initially works, the cancer eventually finds ways to become resistant to the drug, making it stop working after a few months. This study aims to understand why this happens. Researchers think that it might be linked to the amount of the drug in a patient's body. If there isn't enough of the drug, it might not be strong enough to keep the cancer cells from changing and becoming resistant.
The main idea is that by maintaining a certain level of osimertinib in the bloodstream, it might be possible to get enough of the drug to the cancer cells to prevent them from developing resistance. This study will involve taking blood samples to measure drug levels and look for signs of drug resistance. The goal is to discover ways to make osimertinib more effective for more patients, helping them to get the most benefit from their treatment.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to understand why some lung cancers become resistant to the drug osimertinib.
- Researchers will take blood samples to measure drug levels and look for signs of resistance.
- The goal is to find better ways to use osimertinib and predict how well it will work for patients.
- This research does not involve taking a new or different medication.
- The findings could help doctors improve treatment for future lung cancer patients.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you need to be an adult (over 18 years old) who has been diagnosed with a type of non-small cell lung cancer that has spread or is advanced and can't be removed with surgery. Your cancer also needs to have a specific genetic change (mutation) in the EGF-R gene.
You cannot join this study if you have already been treated with similar EGF-R blocking drugs for your lung cancer. You also can't be taking osimertinib already or be on certain other medications that might interfere with how osimertinib works. People who are under legal protection or involved in other drug research studies are also not able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have advanced non-small cell lung cancer?
- Does your cancer have a specific EGF-R gene change?
- Have you NOT previously taken similar EGF-R blocking drugs for lung cancer?
- Are you NOT currently taking osimertinib or certain other interfering medications?
What does participation involve?
This study will involve giving blood samples. The research team will explain how often these samples will be needed and what exactly they will be looking for in your blood. Since this study is trying to understand how a drug you would already be taking works, it likely won't involve extra visits or a long additional time commitment beyond your regular cancer care. The total duration of your participation would depend on your standard treatment plan and how long the researchers need to collect the necessary blood samples.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- CH Bretagne Sud (Site du Scorff)Verified postcodeLorient, France
- Chu de Rennes (Service Pneumologie)Verified postcodeRennes, France
- CH Saint Malo (Service de Pneumologie)Verified postcodeSt-Malo, France
- CH Bretagne AtlantiqueVerified postcodeVannes, France
Common questions
What is osimertinib?
Osimertinib is a medicine used to treat a specific type of lung cancer by targeting certain proteins in cancer cells.
Why are blood samples needed?
Blood samples help researchers measure drug levels and look for signs that the cancer might be becoming resistant to the treatment.
Will my treatment change if I join?
No, this study is about understanding how your current treatment works; it will not change your medical care or prescribed medication.
What is 'resistance' in cancer treatment?
Resistance means the cancer stops responding to the drug over time, making the treatment less effective.
Can I stop participating if I want to?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, and it will not affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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