In findings presented at the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Takeda presented results of recent Phase I/II research exploring the viability of using mobocertinib in treating certain non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Minal Mehta, senior medical director/global clinical lead for mobocertinib with Takeda, spoke with Outsourcing-Pharma about the findings, and what they might mean for NSCLC patients.

OSP: Could you please tell us a bit about NSCLC—the nature of the disease, typical prognosis for a diagnosed patient up until now, and what treatment options have been available?

MM: NSCLC is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of the estimated 2.2m new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year worldwide. Metastatic means the NSCLC has spread from its source in the lungs to other parts of the body. The most common sites of lung cancer metastasis are the liver, bone, and brain.

The prognosis and treatment options for NSCLC vary depending on the type of NSCLC. Certain types, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Exon20 insertion+ mNSCLC, have a less optimal prognosis due in part to a lack of effective treatment options. Fortunately, research in this field is rapidly evolving and introducing targeted therapies that may result in improved outcomes.

OSP: Please describe EGFR Exon20 insertion+ mNSCLC, and how its presence impacts patients with that particular characteristic.

MM: EGFR is a protein found on the surface of some cells and is what binds epidermal growth factor, causing the cells to divide. EGFR mutations can be found within lung cancer cells, including NSCLC, which causes over-activation of the protein that drives tumorigenesis. The exon refers to the location of the EGFR mutations in the EGFR gene, which can be found on exon 18, 19, 20, or 21.