EGFR+ UK publishes first position statement on adjuvant osimertinib follow-up care

EGFR Positive UK has published its first formal position statement, setting out recommendations for follow-up care after adjuvant osimertinib treatment in EGFR-mutated lung cancer.

The document combines reported experiences from people with EGFR+ across the UK with clinical evidence and expert review to highlight significant variation in surveillance, monitoring and follow-up arrangements between NHS Trusts.

Data collected from members receiving adjuvant osimertinib found differences in scan frequency, use of brain MRI, blood monitoring, follow-up duration and involvement in decision-making. Many respondents reported uncertainty about what would happen when treatment ended and what ongoing monitoring they should expect.

In response, EGFR Positive UK has developed a set of principles for best practice, including:

• Greater national consistency in follow-up care

• Protocol-driven surveillance during and after treatment

• Routine consideration of brain MRI surveillance

• Clear end-of-treatment planning

• Recognition of the psychological impact of recurrence anxiety

• Better communication between specialist and primary care teams

• Improved patient access to information about expected standards of care.

The position statement is accompanied by a proposed surveillance and follow-up protocol designed to support discussion among clinicians, nurses, NHS services and people affected by EGFR-mutated lung cancer.

The document was prepared by Professor Gini Harrison on behalf of EGFR Positive UK, with input from members of the charity's adjuvant osimertinib subgroup and review from its Honorary Clinical Advisors.

The position statement will be shared at the Lung Cancer Nursing UK Annual Conference in Glasgow, where EGFR Positive UK representatives will be discussing the findings with lung cancer nurses and healthcare professionals from across the UK.