Oral vs. Intravenous Therapy Considerations for EGFR-Mutant mNSCLC

This segment focuses on the decision-making process between oral monotherapy and combination intravenous therapy for EGFR-mutant mNSCLC. The panel stresses that although oral therapies like osimertinib are convenient, the survival advantage of combination regimens often outweighs the convenience of a pill. Patient preference is acknowledged, but experts emphasize the importance of patient education regarding efficacy, progression-free survival, and overall survival differences between oral monotherapy and combination therapies. The discussion highlights that patients often initially prefer oral therapy due to ease of administration, but when presented with detailed survival data, many opt for more aggressive, clinically effective combination treatments. The panel underscores the principle of shared decision-making, balancing convenience, treatment efficacy, and quality-of-life considerations. Practical strategies for integrating intravenous therapies into patient routines are discussed, including scheduling flexibility and supportive care measures to minimize disruption. Additionally, the segment addresses scenarios where oral monotherapy may still be appropriate, such as older patients, those with limited access to infusion centers, or those with lower-risk disease profiles. By providing a nuanced evaluation, the segment equips clinicians with guidance for personalized therapy selection while prioritizing both outcomes and patient experience.