*May 2022*
Key Points
- NSCLCs harboring oncogenic EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements can be effectively treated with EGFR and ALK TKIs respectively.
- The third-generation TKI osimertinib and the ALK TKI lorlatinib are currently the most advanced and effective clinically approved agents in their respective NSCLC subsets; both agents are highly effective including against CNS metastases.
- Resistance to third-generation EGFR or ALK TKIs can be mediated by acquired EGFR of ALK kinase-domain mutations, respectively; fourth-generation TKIs designed to overcome this on-target resistance are currently in development.
- Off-target resistance to third-generation EGFR and ALK TKIs is more prevalent than on-target resistance and is mediated by various mechanisms, including the activation of bypass signaling or phenotypic transformation.
- Novel approaches designed to overcome resistance beyond fourth-generation TKIs, including combination therapies, antibody drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and immune-directed approaches, are at various stages of clinical investigation.
