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Lung CancerJuly 2022Summary reviewed May 2026

What the KRYSTAL-1 Trial Found — Adagrasib for KRAS G12C Lung Cancer

KRYSTAL-1 tested adagrasib, a twice-daily oral pill targeting the KRAS G12C mutation, in 116 people with previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The drug shrank tumors in nearly half of patients and had a meaningful effect on cancer that had spread to the brain.

What the trial was testing

The KRYSTAL-1 enrolled 116 patients with lung cancer. The study was sponsored by Mirati Therapeutics and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was initial testing (phase 2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

43% had measurable tumor shrinkage — and the drug reached cancer in the brain.

New England Journal of Medicine · 2022 · NCT03785249

These findings — that had tumor shrinkage on adagrasib in KRAS G12C non-small cell lung cancer — were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 116 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with lung cancer, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

Adagrasib (Krazati) is FDA-approved for KRAS G12C-mutated non-small cell lung cancer that has progressed after at least one prior treatment and available now. KRAS G12C testing on tumor tissue determines eligibility. Adagrasib is the second drug in this class; some patients respond better to one than the other. Ask your oncologist about testing and options.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.