Key points:
• Overview of the AEGEAN trial and its findings
• The significance of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies
• The role of surgical evaluation and molecular profiling
In this episode of the Oncology Brothers podcast, we dive into the recent approval of Durvalumab in the perioperative|settings for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), based on the AEGEAN trial. Drs. Rahul & Rohit Gosain are joined by esteemed guests Dr. Sandip Patel, a medical oncologist from UCSD, and Dr. Mara Antonoff, a thoracic surgeon from MD Anderson.
We discussed the current landscape of treatment options in the adjuvant setting, where the addition of chemotherapy has shown modest survival benefits. The conversation then shifts to the AEGEAN trial, which explores a perioperative approach involving Dirvalumab, and how it compares to other studies like Keynote 671 with Pembrolizumab.
Dr. Patel provides an insightful overview of the AEGEAN trial's design, emphasizing its focus on curative intent for resectable patients and the flexibility in chemotherapy regimens. Dr. Antonoff highlights the importance of this approval from a surgical perspective, stressing the need for a multidisciplinary approach in treating lung cancer patients. She emphasizes that surgeons play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive appropriate neoadjuvant therapy and molecular profiling.
As we delve deeper, Dr. Patel shares the promising results of the AEGEAN trial, noting improvements in event-free survival and the potential benefits of immunotherapy when administered while the tumor is still present. Dr. Antonoff adds her perspective on the surgical complexities that arise when operating on patients who have undergone systemic therapy, underscoring the importance of understanding the implications of treatment responses on surgical outcomes.
We conclude the episode by discussing the various treatment options available, including the nuances of selecting the right approach based on individual patient factors. Both Dr. Patel and Dr. Antonoff stress the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.
This episode serves as a valuable resource for understanding the evolving landscape of NSCLC treatment and the critical role of multidisciplinary discussions in improving patient outcomes. Thank you for tuning in, and stay tuned for more discussions on recent approvals and practice-changing data in oncology.