osimertinib has been shown to halve the risk of death from certain lung cancers when taken daily after surgery.

 

Yes, that is correct.Osimertinib is a type of targeted therapy that works by blocking the growth of cancer cells. It is approved by the FDA to treat patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a specific type of gene mutation called EGFR.

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that osimertinib can also help to extend the lives of patients with NSCLC who have undergone surgery to remove their tumors. The study found that patients who took osimertinib after surgery were 51% less likely to die from cancer than patients who took a placebo.

Osimertinib is not without side effects, however. The most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash. In rare cases, osimertinib can also cause more serious side effects, such as heart problems and liver damage.

If you have been diagnosed with NSCLC, talk to your doctor about whether osimertinib may be a treatment option for you.