Tagrisso is the brand name for osimertinib, a third‑generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
Key points about EGFR mutations and Tagrisso:
- It works well for activating EGFR mutations: most commonly exon 19 deletions and the L858R point mutation.
- It also targets the T790M resistance mutation (the mutation that can appear after earlier EGFR inhibitors stop working), and is used in that setting after progression on first/second‑generation EGFR inhibitors.
- It is approved for first‑line treatment of EGFR-mutant NSCLC (no need for T790M to be present in this setting) and for T790M‑positive disease after progression.
- It is not effective for most EGFR exon 20 insertions (another class of mutations). For those, other therapies (like mobocertinib or amivantamab) or clinical trials are typical options. Some uncommon mutations (e.g., G719X, S768I, L861Q) may respond, but responses are variable and should be discussed with an oncologist.
- It has good CNS activity and can help with brain metastases in EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
Typical dosing and basics:
- Dose: 80 mg taken once daily, with or without food.
- Continue until disease progression or intolerable side effects.
- Monitoring: regular imaging (every ~6–12 weeks in many cases), liver function tests, and watching for symptoms of pneumonitis (new/worsening cough, shortness of breath), cardiac effects (QT changes), and other side effects.
Common side effects:
- Diarrhea, rash, dry skin/nails, dry mouth, decreased appetite, fatigue.
- More serious but less common: interstitial pneumonitis/pneumonitis, hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation.
Drug interactions:
- Caution with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (e.g., ketoconazole, rifampin). Dose adjustments may be needed or alternative treatments considered.
If you want, tell me your specific EGFR mutation (e.g., exon 19 del, L858R, exon 20 ins, etc.), or whether you’re asking in a general sense. I can tailor the information to your mutation type and current treatment context. Also, always discuss treatment decisions with your oncologist.