It's not far from conquering lung cancer

Interview | Lim Sun-min, professor of oncology at Yonsei Cancer Hospital

Lim Sun-min, professor of oncology at Yonsei Cancer Hospital

Choi, a woman in her 50s who lives in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer last year and was disappointed.

 

At the time of diagnosis, metastases had occurred in various organs, including the brain, eyeballs, and bones, so it was impossible to participate in clinical research as well as surgery.

 

Fortunately, EGFR targeted anti-cancer drugs were available.

 

The condition began to miraculously improve when the primary treatment began with "Tagrisso," which has the highest penetration rate of brain war among EGFR targeted anti-cancer drugs on the market.

 

The size of the cancer has also decreased noticeably.

 

However, she has been unable to quit her job for seven months due to her continued high-priced anti-cancer treatment.

 

The price of "Tagrisso," which is not covered by insurance during primary treatment, exceeds ₩6 million a month.

 

Even that is burdensome to pay at once, so she visited Yonsei Cancer Hospital three times a week and take medicine for several days.

 

Lim Sun-min, a professor of oncology at Yonsei Cancer Hospital, said, "Many lung cancer patients, who are not covered by health insurance, are suffering from difficult treatment due to the burden of drug prices.

 

"Even if various clinical studies are underway, participation is not possible if they do not meet the recruitment criteria," she said.

 

"Although they have improved a lot, the unfulfilled demand at the medical site is still high." It has been 70 years since mankind has fought cancer with weapons such as anticancer drugs and radiation therapy.

 

Lung cancer is a deadly disease that ranks first among many cancers.

 

Target anti-cancer drugs are considered to be one of the biggest contributors to the goal of conquering lung cancer, which seemed impossible.

 

Epithelial cell growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, found in about 30 to 40% of non-small cell lung cancer patients, have significantly improved their survival rate with the emergence of EGFR tyrosynkinase (TKI).

 

Tagriso (Osimertinib), a third-generation targeted anti-cancer drug developed by AstraZeneca, expanded the lung adaptation to secondary treatment and postoperative lung cancer in patients with T790M resistance metamorphosis after first-generation drugs such as "Iressa" (Gefitinib) and "Erlotinib.

 

Nevertheless, the development of a third-generation EGFR targeted anti-cancer drug, which acts as a mechanism similar to ``Tagrisso,'' is in full swing because of the real restrictions.

 

Professor Lim said, "It has been about five years since Tagrisso became the primary standard treatment for EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer, but many countries, including Korea, have not been insured." "Except for the U.S., accessibility is significantly reduced due to financial burdens," she said.

 

"There is a high thirst for new drugs that can replace Tagrisso at the medical site." Tagrisso is obviously a good drug, but it means that more competitive drugs are needed in terms of cost-effectiveness.

 

Even the third-generation drug Tagriso poses a risk of developing immunity.Combination therapy is actively being tried to overcome the problem of targeted anti-cancer drugs.

 

It is a great pleasure for clinicians to see the results of third-generation EGFR-TKI research pouring in in Asian countries with high rates of EGFR mutations, including Korea, China and Japan.

 

A review paper published in the latest issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology published by the International Association for Lung Cancer Research (IASLC) shows the active three-phase clinical progress of third-generation EGFR-TKI, including Almonertinib, Alflutinib, Abvertinib and Lazertinib.

 

Professor Lim was also asked to participate as an author as "Leclaza," developed by Yuhan, produced commercialization results earlier this year.

 

This shows international interest in Korean new drug "Leclaza." Professor Lim hinted, "Leclaza has proven its efficacy and safety comparable to Tagriso in its initial clinical trials and has shown excellent response rates in patients with cerebral palsy." Janssen is also showing an active willingness to develop MARIPOSA phase III clinical trial, which evaluates the primary treatment effectiveness of double anti-cancer antibodies "Amivantamab" and "Leclaza".

 

"Overcoming resistance to targeted anti-cancer drugs is a difficult task," Professor Lim said.

 

"It's a pity when patients don't get the right medication due to financial problems or when we meet patients who are struggling to continue treatment." Nevertheless, it is not far from overcoming lung cancer in that third-generation EGFR-TKI development is actively taking place, led by the domestic new drug "Leclaza," and various combined research is underway.

 

"Lung cancer is a scary disease with the highest mortality rate, but various lung cancer treatments are being developed, so I hope patients don't give up and get active treatment with a positive mind," Professor Lim said.

 

"We will focus on researching new drugs to provide benefits."