Osimertinib, known as Tagrisso, has shown significant promise for lung cancer patients with specific genetic mutations.
The medication has demonstrated a substantial reduction in the risk of cancer recurrence and death, with potential benefits for those who have undergone surgery.
“In the world of oncology, that is earth-shattering,” Dr. Faiz Y. Bhora, chief of thoracic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Health said. (Trending: Donald Trump Loses His Cool At High-Stakes $250 Million Trial)
Lung cancer pill shows ‘earth-shattering’ results in 5-year study: ‘An optimistic time’ https://t.co/jyxmCnTg2y pic.twitter.com/3NQFkBtfy4
— News (@dialy_novelty) November 9, 2023
“In the past, medical oncologists were happy with 5% or 10% — and now we’re talking about in excess of 50% improvement in survival.”
“We’re truly in the era of personalized medicine,” Bhora added. “We now have a lot of targeted therapies that work well for patients who have mutations in their tumors.”
“The pill helps prevent recurrence once the tumor is removed with surgery for those with the genetic marker,” he noted.
Patients with the EGFR mutation, even at stage 4, may be eligible for treatment.
“I would say about 25% of patients with lung cancer end up having an EGFR mutation,” Bhora stated.
The medication’s availability represents a significant advancement in personalized medicine, offering hope for patients who previously faced a fatal prognosis.
61-year-old who watched mother battle breast cancer hails 'gift' of breakthrough 4p-a-day pill which HALVES risk of getting disease as 'major step forward' will see 300,000 women given prevention drug https://t.co/W63Jmf7RlS pic.twitter.com/JaC5cNHtbH
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) November 7, 2023
While some side effects have been reported, including manageable issues such as skin rash and fatigue, the overall experience for patients like Kim Mosko has been extremely positive. (Trending: Federal Court Rules Against Gun Owners)
“We used to think of lung cancer as just a smoker’s illness,” Bhora said. “Now, we know that over 30% of individuals who develop lung cancer have never smoked, and a lot of them are women.”
“The lobectomy was performed by robotic surgery and was an incredible experience,” Mosko said. “I owe all the doctors I see and consulted with a debt I can never repay.”
“I needed no persuasion at all,” she added. “I will do whatever is necessary to treat this cancer and lengthen my lifespan.”
“Overall, my experience has been positive, and I am grateful that this medication is available,” she said.
“I don’t need to have hope,” she added. “I absolutely believe that this medication is going to make sure the lung cancer will not return. I am planning on living for many more years.”
With the potential for turning lung cancer into a chronic disease or even aiming for a complete cure, the era of personalized therapies has provided optimism for many patients.
“This is a very optimistic time for patients who used to have what was universally considered a fatal disease,” Bhora said.
“We are now in an era where in a vast majority of cases, we can either turn it into a chronic disease or aim for a complete cure.”
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