Michael D. Offin, MD, medical oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses targeted agents in 

-altered non—small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

-altered NSCLC is crizotinib (Xalkori), as outlined in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. However, capmatinib, tepotinib, and savolitinib are all emerging agents in this space. Each agent had a slightly different safety profile with overall response rates (ORRs) ranging from 40% to 60%, according to data presented at the 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting. 

 space, the NCCN-recommended agents are somewhat toxic with suboptimal response rates, says Offin. Encouragingly, selpercatinib (formerly LOXO-292) and BLU-667 have shown greater tolerability. Although selpercatinib has shown a slightly higher ORR, both agents have been granted breakthrough therapy designations by the FDA for use in patients with

 fusion—positive NSCLC after progression on platinum-based chemotherapy.

Videos

Michael D. Offin, MD, discusses targeted agents in MET- and RET-altered non–small cell lung cancer.

Dr. Offin on Targeted Agents in MET- and RET-Altered NSCLC

Michael D. Offin, MD, medical oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the potential implications of introducing biosimilars into the field of oncology.

Biosimilars have generated a lot of excitement because of their cost-savings potential, says Offin. However, these agents have also been met with some hesitancy because they could interfere with the development of clinical trials and potentially reduce access to novel biologic therapy, he adds. As such, it will be important to consider the potential implications of their integration into the space.

If biosimilars enter the clinic, they could provide underinsured patients with more treatment options, says Offin. Currently, PF-06439535 (bevacizumab-bvzr; Zirabev) is the only biosimilar for bevacizumab (Avastin) that has received regulatory approval. However, several more biosimilars are in the pipeline, such as SB8, which demonstrated similar efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetic, and immunogenicity as reference bevacizumab in a phase III trial (NCT02754882).

Michael D. Offin, MD, discusses the potential implications of introducing biosimilars into the field of oncology.

Michael D. Offin, MD

Articles

Dr. Offin on Targeted Agents in MET- and RET-Altered NSCLC

Dr. Offin on Potential Implications of Introducing Biosimilars Into Oncology