Dr. Parikh on KRAS Inhibitors in Lung Cancer

Kaushal Parikh, MD, MBBS, medical oncologist, Thoracic Oncology and Phase I Clinical Trials Program, John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, discusses the KRASG12C inhibitors AMG 510 and MRTX849 in lung cancer.

Both agents have demonstrated similar response rates ranging from 50% to 60%, and are generally well-tolerated, says Parikh. The key difference between the 2 inhibitors is that AMG 510 is a once-daily regimen while MRTX849 is given twice daily.

A recent study demonstrated that these inhibitors, especially AMG 510, also potentiate immune response, adds Parikh. When immune-competent mice were treated with AMG 510, they were found to have some immune signals. When the agent was combined with checkpoint inhibitors, the mice were either able to achieve cure or experience very durable responses, says Parikh.

Combining the KRAS inhibitors with checkpoint inhibitors appears to be a lucrative strategy to treat patients who have other exposures like smokers, concludes Parikh. However, further investigation into the safety profile of these combinations will be important, concludes Parikh.