Background Synchronous multifocal primary lung cancer (sMPLC) presents a therapeutic challenge, particularly for bilateral lesions. While surgical resection is standard for unilateral sMPLC, bilateral surgery carries high perioperative risks. This study evaluates postoperative adjuvant therapy with almonertinib, a third-generation EGFR-TKI, to reduce secondary surgery rates by targeting residual contralateral lesions in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients.
Objective
* Primary: Assess the secondary surgery rate within one year after three months of almonertinib therapy.
* Secondary: Evaluate tumor response (ORR, EGFR-TKI response rate), survival outcomes (DFS, OS), treatment safety, and surgical feasibility post-therapy.
Study Design
* Phase: Single-arm, open-label, phase II trial.
* Population: 32 patients with bilateral sMPLC (EGFR exon 19 deletion/L858R mutations) after unilateral resection.
* Intervention: Oral almonertinib (110 mg/day) for three months, initiated 4-10 weeks post-surgery.
* Endpoints:
* Primary: Proportion requiring secondary surgery due to lesion persistence/progression.
* Secondary: ORR (RECIST 1.1), DFS, OS, adverse events (CTCAE v5.0), and safety of delayed surgery.
* Inclusion Criteria:
* sMPLC diagnosis (MM/ACCP criteria), T1-2N0M0 primary lesion, residual contralateral nodules (≥8 mm, confirmed malignant).
* ECOG 0-1, age 18-75 years, compliance with follow-up.
* Exclusion Criteria: Metastasis, severe organ dysfunction, prior malignancies (5 years), or concurrent QT-prolonging drugs.
Statistical Analysis
* Sample size calculated (α=0.05, power=0.95) to detect a reduction in secondary surgery rate from 100% (baseline) to 90%, accounting for 10% dropout.
* Survival analysis via Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression; descriptive statistics for response rates.
Safety Monitoring
• Adverse events graded by CTCAE v5.0, including interstitial lung disease (ILD), cardiac toxicity, and laboratory abnormalities. Dose adjustments (55 mg) or discontinuation mandated for grade ≥3 events.
Ethics and Compliance
* Conducted per Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Declaration of Helsinki.
* Informed consent required; independent review committee (IRC) evaluates imaging outcomes.
Expected Outcomes
* Almonertinib may reduce secondary surgery rates by suppressing residual lesions, supported by prior efficacy in NSCLC (median PFS: 19.3 months in AENEAS trial).
* Results will inform postoperative management strategies for bilateral sMPLC. Timeline Enrollment and preliminary efficacy analysis to conclude by December 2025. Conclusion ARMOR2501 aims to validate almonertinib's role in minimizing repeat surgeries for EGFR-mutant sMPLC, balancing efficacy and safety. Successful outcomes could establish a novel adjuvant paradigm for high-risk patients.