Osimertinib for maintenance treatment of locally advanced, unresectable EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer during or following chemoradiation therapy

Published on 05 Oct 2026
Last Updated on 05 Oct 2026

Guidance Recommendations

The Ministry of Health’s Drug Advisory Committee has not recommended osimertinib for inclusion on the MOH List of Subsidised Drugs for maintenance treatment of locally advanced, unresectable epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer during or following chemoradiation therapy. The decision was based on the uncertain extent of clinical effectiveness, unfavourable cost effectiveness compared with active surveillance, and the unacceptable price-volume agreement proposed by the company.

Clinical indication, subsidy class and MediShield Life claims eligibility for osimertinib are provided in the Annex.

Osimertinib for maintenance treatment of locally advanced, unresectable EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer during or following chemoradiation therapy (Published 05 Oct 2026) [PDF, 291.92 KB] (opens in new tab)

Plain English Summary

There are different types of lung cancer depending on which cells are affected. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type. It occurs when cells in the lung grow uncontrollably and form a mass (tumour). People with NSCLC may not have any symptoms initially. As the cancer worsens, symptoms can include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, tiredness, weight loss with no known cause, or pain when you breathe or cough. When the cancer has spread to nearby areas but cannot be removed by surgery, it is known as locally advanced unresectable cancer.

Some people with NSCLC have changes (mutations) in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, which can cause abnormal cell growth.

Osimertinib belongs to a group of medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which can stop cancer cells from growing and dividing. It works by blocking abnormal EGFR proteins on cancer cells. It is taken orally.

Osimertinib was not recommended for government funding for maintenance treatment of locally advanced, unresectable EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC during or following chemoradiation therapy because its benefits do not justify its cost compared with active surveillance (regular monitoring without cancer treatment). It is not subsidised and cannot be claimed under MediShield Life.

There are different treatment options available for locally advanced, unresectable NSCLC. Your doctor can advise whether osimertinib or other treatments may be suitable for you.