In some cases, combining different therapies can provide better overall outcomes for patients. However, in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating bevacizumab in conjunction with osimertinib for patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the combination was shown to be relatively ineffective. According to Physician’s Weekly, the drug combination failed to improve overall survival rate or inhibit the cancer’s progression. Read the full study findings published in JAMA Oncology.

Bevacizumab and Osimertinib

Altogether, 81 Japanese patients with advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC enrolled in the study to evaluate whether adding bevacizumab, a VEGF inhibitor, to osimertinib treatment could improve patient responses. Previously, the patients were exposed to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) treatment, such as osimertinib. As a result, the patients’ cancer became treatment-resistant.

On one hand, patients taking the drug combination did see an improvement in response rate compared to using only bevacizumab or osimertinib. However, while there was a heightened response rate, this did not translate into lower cancer progression or better overall survival rates. In fact, those with previous VEGF inhibitor exposure experienced even lower progression-free survival rates than others.

Additionally, while the combination was generally well-tolerated, some adverse reactions did occur, including hypertension, anemia (low red blood cell counts), and proteinuria (excess protein in the urine). As a result, the study researchers shared that an osimertinib-bevacizumab combination should not be used for EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 80-85% of lung cancers are considered to be non-small cell lung cancer. There are three main subtypes of NSCLC: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. However, other smaller subtypes do exist, such as adenosquamous carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma. Treatment, symptoms, and prognosis often vary.

For example, adenocarcinomas usually begin in cells that secrete bodily substances, such as mucus. Commonly, adenocarcinomas are found in current or former smokers. However, it is also the most common form of NSCLC found in non-smokers. This subtype occurs more frequently in females than males, and more commonly in younger individuals than other types of lung cancer. Common symptoms include:

• A chronic and persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Unintended weight loss
• Changes in voice, such as raspiness