Expert Perspectives on the Results of the TROPION-Lung01 Study in NSCLC

This is a synopsis of a Peer Exchange video series featuring Benjamin P. Levy, MD, of Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins; Solange Peters, MD, PhD, of University Hospital of Lausanne; Joshua K. Sabari, MD, of NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center; Edward B. Garon, MD, MS, of UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Marina Chiara Garassino, MD, of University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr Levy notes that while immunotherapy has improved first-line NSCLC [non–small cell lung cancer] outcomes, docetaxel with or without ramucirumab remains the only approved second-line regimen. He discusses promising data from the TROPION-Lung01 trial comparing the antibody-drug conjugate datopotamab deruxtecan to docetaxel in previously treated patients with NSCLC. Dr Peters explains the trial showed a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival, including in the pre-planned non-squamous subgroup analysis, and nearly doubled response rate compared to docetaxel. She feels these efficacy findings along with a different toxicity profile support datopotamab deruxtecan as a new competitor to docetaxel likely to be adopted into clinical practice.

Dr Garon, who led the REVEL trial of docetaxel/ramucirumab, agrees the toxicity profile appears slightly better than single-agent docetaxel. However, he notes the efficacy improvements over docetaxel are modest and don’t reflect the “leaps better” outcome hoped for. Dr Sabari concurs the PFS benefit is small and questions whether the toxicity shift is worthwhile. Dr Levy states that overall survival data could change perspectives, especially if particular subgroups derive greater benefit. Dr Garassino emphasizes collecting real-world toxicity data and patient-reported outcomes. In conclusion, the panel agrees this antibody-drug conjugate represents the first advance over docetaxel in the second-line NSCLC setting, constituting a new treatment option, but its ultimate impact remains to be defined.

*Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by OncLive editorial staff.