A New Precision Approach for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutations
Lung cancer is the world’s leading cause of death due to cancer according to the World Health Organization.1 Thus an urgent and immense unmet need remains for new and effective treatments —especially for people affected by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), or about 80 to 85% of lung cancer diagnoses.2 At Johnson & Johnson, we are working to meet this need with innovative treatments, a patient-centric research approach driven by precision, and singular focus to get in front of cancer and help transform the lives of people facing a lung cancer diagnosis.
Why Novel Mechanisms of Action and a New Treatment Landscape Are Needed for NSCLC with Exon20 Insertion Mutations
Many genetic mutations can contribute to tumor development, but alterations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase controlling cell growth and division, are among the most common driver mutations in NSCLC.3 EGFR mutations have been observed in up to 15% of NSCLC adenocarcinomas across the broader population, with this prevalence increasing to between 22% and 26% in North America.4,5 While overall they are rare, EGFR exon 20 insertions constitute 12% of all EGFR mutation types.6
Patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations have a worse prognosis than those with EGFR TKI-sensitive mutations.7 Given the tendency for rapid disease progression among these patients, there is a dire need for first-line targeted approaches.
With a focus on scientific excellence and innovation driven by our ambition to help transform patient outcomes, we’ve dedicated our world-class research capabilities to bringing forward differentiated, immune-driven mechanisms of action and introducing new treatment options for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
A Personalized Treatment Option in NSCLC with EGFR Exon20 Insertion Mutations
Precision medicine and its potential to transform healthcare delivery is a core focus for Johnson & Johnson Oncology as we work to achieve meaningful change for patients, and it’s become a foundational element of our strategy towards targeted therapies tailored to a person’s unique case based on pathologic findings, clinical staging, and molecular profiling.
One such example of our commitment to NSCLC patients is the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed (chemotherapy) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test. This milestone represents a significant step forward in how we’re working towards our vision to change the standard of care and reshape the overall treatment landscape for people affected by lung cancer.
RYBREVANT® is a fully-human bispecific antibody directed against EGFR and MET receptors.8 Combining RYBREVANT®-driven immune cell activation with chemotherapy-mediated cell death may have complimentary antitumor activity.9
This recent approval is based on positive results from the randomized, open-label Phase 3 PAPILLON study, which showed RYBREVANT® plus chemotherapy resulted in a 60% (Hazard Ratio [HR]=0.40; 95 percent Confidence Interval [CI], 0.30–0.53; p value P<0.0001) reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to chemotherapy alone.8 In PAPILLON, investigators also studied the impact of treatment with RYBREVANT® plus chemotherapy on overall response rate (ORR).8 The most common adverse reactions in PAPILLON with RYBREVANT® and chemotherapy (≥20 percent) were rash, nail toxicity, stomatitis, IRR, fatigue, edema, constipation, decreased appetite, nausea, COVID-19, diarrhea and vomiting.8
Based on PAPILLON data, the National Cancer Comprehensive Network® (NCCN®) updated its NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) to include a NCCN Category 1 recommendation for amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT®) plus chemotherapy as a preferred first-line therapy option for patients with nonsquamous mNSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.10
The current FDA approval for RYBREVANT® plus chemotherapy marks delivery of the first and only targeted treatment for adult patients with NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations approved for first-line.8 By introducing new approaches such as this, we aim to provide new options for patients with NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations—a mutation type known to carry a worse prognosis compared with lung cancer driven by other EGFR mutations11—and to advance targeted therapy options tailored to individual patient needs.
Developing a Transformative Lung Cancer Portfolio
Each treatment breakthrough provides an important new option for patients and families who are counting on us to advance the science and win the battle against cancer. Across our groundbreaking work at J&J Oncology, we’re undertaking a multi-pronged scientific approach to target the complex nature of lung cancer, advancing targeted treatment approaches and enhancing access to personalized therapies for more patients who need them. With this recent approval and the potential to introduce multiple continued studies for RYBREVANT®, both as a monotherapy and in combination regimens, we believe we are only at the beginning of what we can achieve in our pursuit of creating a new treatment landscape for NSCLC.
Learn more about how Johnson & Johnson is working towards a world free of cancer at https://www.rybrevanthcp.com/.
*See the NCCN Guidelines® for detailed recommendations, including other treatment options. The NCCN Guidelines for NSCLC provide recommendations for certain individual biomarkers that should be tested and recommend testing techniques but do not endorse any specific commercially available biomarker assays or commercial laboratories. The NCCN Content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used in place of seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by licensed practitioners. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.
RYBREVANT® IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION9
INDICATIONS
RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) is indicated in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test.
RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) is indicated as a single agent for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
The safety population of RYBREVANT® with carboplatin and pemetrexed described in Warnings and Precautions was based on 151 patients in the PAPILLON study.
The safety population of RYBREVANT® as a single agent described in Warnings and Precautions was based on 129 patients in the CHRYSALIS study.
Infusion-Related Reactions
RYBREVANT® can cause infusion-related reactions (IRR); signs and symptoms of IRR include dyspnea, flushing, fever, chills, nausea, chest discomfort, hypotension, and vomiting.
RYBREVANT® with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed
RYBREVANT® in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed can cause infusion-related reactions. Based on the safety population, infusion-related reactions occurred in 42% of patients treated with RYBREVANT® in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, including Grade 3 (1.3%) adverse reactions. The incidence of infusion modifications due to IRR was 40%, and 0.7% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT®.
RYBREVANT® as a Single Agent
Based on the safety population, IRR occurred in 66% of patients treated with RYBREVANT®. Among patients receiving treatment on Week 1 Day 1, 65% experienced an IRR, while the incidence of IRR was 3.4% with the Day 2 infusion, 0.4% with the Week 2 infusion, and cumulatively 1.1% with subsequent infusions. Of the reported IRRs, 97% were Grade 1-2, 2.2% were Grade 3, and 0.4% were Grade 4. The median time to onset was 1 hour (range 0.1 to 18 hours) after start of infusion. The incidence of infusion modifications due to IRR was 62% and 1.3% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT® due to IRR.
Premedicate with antihistamines, antipyretics, and glucocorticoids and infuse RYBREVANT® as recommended. Administer RYBREVANT® via a peripheral line on Week 1 and Week 2. Monitor patients for any signs and symptoms of infusion reactions during RYBREVANT® infusion in a setting where cardiopulmonary resuscitation medication and equipment are available. Interrupt infusion if IRR is suspected. Reduce the infusion rate or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT® based on severity.
Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis
RYBREVANT® can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis.
RYBREVANT® with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed
Based on the safety population, Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% of patients treated with RYBREVANT® in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed. All patients required permanent discontinuation.
RYBREVANT® as a Single Agent
Based on the safety population, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.3% of patients treated with RYBREVANT®, with 0.7% of patients experiencing Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis. Three patients (1%) discontinued RYBREVANT® due to ILD/pneumonitis.
Monitor patients for new or worsening symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever). Immediately withhold RYBREVANT® in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed.
Dermatologic Adverse Reactions
RYBREVANT® can cause rash (including dermatitis acneiform), pruritus and dry skin.
RYBREVANT® with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed
RYBREVANT® in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed can cause dermatologic adverse reactions. Based on the safety population, rash occurred in 89% of patients treated with RYBREVANT® in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, including Grade 3 (19%) adverse reactions. Rash leading to dose reductions occurred in 19% of patients, and 2% permanently discontinued RYBREVANT®, and 1.3% discontinued pemetrexed.
RYBREVANT® as a Single Agent
Based on the safety population, rash occurred in 74% of patients treated with RYBREVANT®, including Grade 3 rash in 3.3% of patients. The median time to onset of rash was 14 days (range: 1 to 276 days). Rash leading to dose reduction occurred in 5% of patients, and RYBREVANT® was permanently discontinued due to rash in 0.7% of patients.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis occurred in one patient (0.3%) treated with RYBREVANT® as a single agent.
Instruct patients to limit sun exposure during and for 2 months after treatment with RYBREVANT®. Advise patients to wear protective clothing and use broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. Alcohol‑free emollient cream is recommended for dry skin.
If skin reactions develop, start topical corticosteroids and topical and/or oral antibiotics. For Grade 3 reactions, add oral steroids and consider dermatologic consultation. Promptly refer patients presenting with severe rash, atypical appearance or distribution, or lack of improvement within 2 weeks to a dermatologist. Withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT® based on severity.
Ocular Toxicity
RYBREVANT® can cause ocular toxicity including keratitis, dry eye symptoms, conjunctival redness, blurred vision, visual impairment, ocular itching, and uveitis.
RYBREVANT® with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed
Based on the safety population, RYBREVANT® in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed can cause ocular toxicity including blepharitis, dry eye, conjunctival redness, blurred vision, and eye pruritus. All events were Grade 1-2.
RYBREVANT® as a Single Agent
Based on the safety population, keratitis occurred in 0.7% and uveitis occurred in 0.3% of patients treated with RYBREVANT®. All events were Grade 1-2. Promptly refer patients presenting with eye symptoms to an ophthalmologist. Withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT® based on severity.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal models, RYBREVANT® can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of RYBREVANT®.
Adverse Reactions
RYBREVANT® with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed
For the 151 patients in the PAPILLON clinical trial who received RYBREVANT® in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were rash (90%), nail toxicity (62%), stomatitis (43%), infusion-related reaction (42%), fatigue (42%), edema (40%), constipation (40%), decreased appetite (36%), nausea (36%), COVID-19 (24%), diarrhea (21%), and vomiting (21%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased albumin (7%), increased alanine aminotransferase (4%), increased gamma‑glutamyl transferase (4%), decreased sodium (7%), decreased potassium (11%), decreased magnesium (2%), and decreases in white blood cells (17%), hemoglobin (11%), neutrophils (36%), platelets (10%), and lymphocytes (11%).
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 37% of patients who received RYBREVANT® in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients included rash, pneumonia, ILD, pulmonary embolism, vomiting and COVID-19. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 7 patients (4.6%) due to pneumonia, cerebrovascular accident, cardio-respiratory arrest, COVID-19, sepsis, and death not otherwise specified.
RYBREVANT® as a Single Agent
For the 129 patients in the CHRYSALIS clinical trial who received RYBREVANT® as a single agent, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were rash (84%), IRR (64%), paronychia (50%), musculoskeletal pain (47%), dyspnea (37%), nausea (36%), fatigue (33%), edema (27%), stomatitis (26%), cough (25%), constipation (23%), and vomiting (22%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased lymphocytes (8%), decreased albumin (8%), decreased phosphate (8%), decreased potassium (6%), increased alkaline phosphatase (4.8%), increased glucose (4%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (4%), and decreased sodium (4%).
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients who received RYBREVANT®. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients included pulmonary embolism, pneumonitis/ILD, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, pneumonia, and muscular weakness. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2 patients (1.5%) due to pneumonia and 1 patient (0.8%) due to sudden death.
Please read full Prescribing Information for RYBREVANT®.
cp-213274v4
References:
1. World Health Organization. Lung Cancer. Accessed February 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lung-cancer
2. American Cancer Society. What is Lung Cancer? Accessed March 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html
3. National Library of Medicine. EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations in non-small cell lung cancer. Accessed February 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8799012/#:~:text=EGFR%20exon%2020%20insertions%20(EGFR,EGFR%20Ex20Ins%20have%20been%20discovered
4. American Lung Association. EGFR and Lung Cancer. Accessed February 2024.
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/symptoms-diagnosis/biomarker-testing/egfr
5. Khaddour K, et al. Cancers (Basel). 2021;13(13):3164.
6. Riess JW, Gandara DR, Frampton GM, et al. Diverse EGFR exon 20 insertions and co-occurring molecular alterations identified by comprehensive genomic profiling of NSCLC. J Thoracic Oncol. 2018;13(10):1560-1568.
7. Bazhenova L, Minchom A, Viteri S, et al. Comparative clinical outcomes for patients with advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations and common EGFR mutations. Lung Cancer. 2021;162:154-161.
8. RYBREVANT® Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc.
9. Nagasaka M, Goto K, Gomez J, et al. Amivantamab in combination with chemotherapy in patients with advanced
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Poster presented at IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer. 8-14, 2021.
10. Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer V.4.2024. Accessed March 2024. © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2024. All rights reserved. Accessed April 1, 2024. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org.
11. Vyse S, Huang PH. Targeting EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations in non-small cell lung cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2019;4:5. Published 2019 Mar 8. doi:10.1038/s41392-019-0038-9