(BPT) - Do you or a loved one have non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations? We get it, that's a mouthful. But if you know, you know.
What you might not know is there's a new clinical trial for this specific diagnosis, part of a next-generation solution being developed to target NSCLC. To understand the significance of this trial, it's important to grasp the underlying biology involved.
NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer accounting for approximately 85% of lung cancer diagnoses worldwide (Source: Yale Medicine). According to WebMD, EGFR is a protein on your cells that helps them grow. When changes, commonly referred to as mutations, develop within the EGFR molecule, its normal function is altered which may allow cancer cells to grow and spread more rapidly. About 32% of NSCLC cases worldwide involve an EGFR mutation. These changes in the EGFR protein are referred to as classical, non-classical (or atypical/uncommon), or acquired mutations.
People at the highest risk of having EGFR-positive lung cancer include:
- Those who have never smoked or were a light smoker
- Those with lung adenocarcinoma
- Women
- Young adults with lung cancer
- People of Asian or East Asian heritage
Scientists are now beginning to grasp the landscape of EGFR mutations that fuel tumor growth. However, current targeted therapies may only act against a limited subset of these cancer-causing changes. Black Diamond Therapeutics (BDTX), a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to providing people living with cancer the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives, is developing a treatment to target these mutations. The idea is to target a broad spectrum of EGFR mutations that can drive NSCLC with the goal of reaching a larger patient population.
What about its clinical trial?
BDTX-1535-101 is a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate one of the potential therapies Black Diamond has developed. Investigational therapy* BDTX-1535 is designed to address more than 50 EGFR mutations and is taken in pill form by mouth once a day. The trial is now enrolling patients with EGFR non-classical mutations who have not been previously treated, as well as patients who have had prior treatment with an EGFR inhibitor.
If you're interested in learning more about the BDTX-1535-101 clinical trial (NCT05256290) including participation criteria, visit https://www.blackdiamondtherapeutics.com/patients/clinical-trials.
Before you join a study, learn about the possible risks and benefits and discuss all options with your health care professional.
*Investigational therapies have not been approved by the FDA or any other Regulatory Agency
