Boehringer Ingelheim has initiated GioTag, a real-world study to assess the impact of sequential therapy in patients with EGFR mutation-positive (M+) advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Data from approximately 190 patients who received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) – afatinib* in first-line, followed by second-line osimertinib**as part of standard clinical practice – will be analysed to determine total time on treatment.     

Dr Maximilian Hochmair, Medical Oncologist, Vienna, Austria and coordinating investigator in this trial commented, “Around 50-60% of patients with NSCLC will develop a T790M resistance mutation following treatment with a first- or second-generation TKI. But with osimertinib, which specifically targets the T790M mutation, a second-line targeted treatment is now a realistic option, helping to delay the use of chemotherapy even further. With more targeted treatments available, it is becoming important for clinicians to understand how to optimally sequence treatments to ensure the best outcomes are achieved. This real-world study will generate important insights on resistance mutations and sequencing to further inform long-term treatment planning.”  

The study, a retrospective review, will analyse data from 65 study centres in 11 countries, to determine the time on treatment of afatinib as first-line therapy in EGFR M+ lung cancer followed by osimertinib for patients with T790M resistance mutation, in a real-world setting. Available data on mutations after treatment with osimertinib will also be collected. With limited information available on the results of sequential treatment with two targeted therapies, this study will provide insight into the impact of TKIs used in this patient population and subsequent chemotherapy treatment.  The sequence of treatment with TKIs may be a key determinant of long-term patient outcomes in EGFR M+ NSCLC.

Dr Victoria Zazulina

Dr Victoria Zazulina, Global Head of Solid Tumour Oncology, Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim commented, “Treatment decision-making is becoming more complex due to the increasing number of treatment options that are now thankfully available for patients with EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer. By making more data available through this real-world study, we will know more about the impact of multiple lines of targeted therapy on patient outcomes. In addition, the data will provide valuable insights to guide our continued development of next-generation breakthrough therapies.”