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EGFR-Positive Lung Cancer Treatment Options

Learn about targeted therapies, combination treatments, and treatment options for different types of EGFR-positive lung cancer.

EGFR-positive lung cancer has been widely studied, and therefore several treatment options exist. As researchers learn more, treatment recommendations may change. Below are general guidelines, but each patient's situation is unique. Work closely with your doctor to decide the most appropriate treatment for your specific type of lung cancer. 

EGFR Inhibitors 

EGFR inhibitors work by blocking the activity of the EGFR protein, often controlling the cancer. Depending on the patient and specific drug, these EGRF inhibitors can control the cancer for several months, or even years, but they are not a cure. 

Over time, the cancer learns a way around these treatments, which is called "acquired resistance." When this happens, it is recommended that your doctor repeat biomarker testing, either through a tissue or liquid biopsy to see if you have a new mutation that will help your doctor know which treatment to suggest next.

  • Osimertinib (Tagrisso)
  • Afatanib (Gilotrif)
  • Erlotinib (Tarceva)
  • Lazertinib (Lazcluze)

Combination Therapies

In some cases, your doctor may recommend combining an EGFR inhibitor with a different type of therapy as part of the initial treatment for your lung cancer. 

  • Osimertinib (Tagrisso) plus chemotherapy.
  • Lazertinib (Lazcluze) plus amivantamab (Rybrevant). 
    • Amivantamab is an antibody-based therapy that blocks the EGFR protein on the surface of cancer cells. 
  • Erlotinib (Tarceva) plus ramucirumab (Cyramza). 
    • This combination is FDA-approved for initial treatment of patients with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations. Adding ramucirumab, which is an anti-angiogenic agent, may help slow resistance to EGFR-targeted therapy. 
  • Amivantamab (Rybrevant) plus chemotherapy for EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.

Treatment Based on Stage of Disease

EGFR-positive lung cancer caught at an early stage may often be treated with surgery to remove the tumor. 

Certain patients, particularly stage III NSCLC, may receive osimertinib (Tagrisso) after surgery or chemoradiation, and some patients may receive chemotherapy exclusively. 

Treatment for later-stage EGFR-positive lung cancer depends on the type of EGFR mutation present and how the cancer progresses.

Treatment by EGFR Mutation Type

First-line treatment for EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R point mutations is osimertinib (Tagrisso) alone or in combination with chemotherapy or the combination of lazertinib (Lazcluze) and amivantamab-vmjw (Rybrevant) (an antibody-based therapy). 

Dacomitinib (Vizimpro) is a second-generation EGFR inhibitor approved as a first-line treatment for EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations. It may be an option for some patients, especially those who are not eligible for newer third-generation EGFR inhibitors.

First-line treatment for EGFR S7681, L861Q or G719X mutations is afatanib (Gilotrif) or osimertinib (Tagrisso).

First-line treatment for EGFR exon 20 Insertions is chemotherapy with amivantamab (Rybrevant). 

Sunvozertinib (Zegfrovy, Dizal (Jiangsu) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) is also available for EGFR exon 20 insertions, as detected by an FDA-approved test (Oncomine Dx Express Test), for individuals whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.

After Progression

Datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) is approved for adult patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed after prior treatment with an EGFR inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy. 

Second-line treatment for EGFR mutations may include some combination of other targeted drugs, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. 

Other Considerations

  • Patients with EGFR-positive lung cancer should ask their physicians about participating in a clinical trial. View lung cancer clinical trial resources
  • Brain surgery and/or brain radiation therapy may be options for patients whose lung cancer has spread to the brain (brain metastases).

In this video, Dr. Lecia Sequist discusses the future of treatment for EGFR-positive lung cancer. This video was produced in 2021. For the latest treatment options, speak with your doctor.

Next Steps

Understand Your EGFR Biomarker Result

Learn about EGFR mutations, testing, and what your results mean.

Learn About Biomarker Testing

Find out how biomarker testing can help guide treatment decisions throughout your care.

Explore Clinical Trial Options

See whether clinical trials may be an option for you.

Lung cancer research can move at a rapid pace. Always speak with your doctor about the most up-to-date treatment guidelines.

Page last updated: August 5, 2026

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