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The use of single-agent dasatinib in molecularly unselected non-small-cell lung cancer patients
Tim J Kruser1, Anne M Traynor, Deric L Wheeler
1University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Human Oncology, Madison, Wisconsin, WI 53705, USA.
Abstract:
A Phase II study of the Src family kinase (SFK) inhibitor dasatinib was recently reported in molecularly unselected patients with metastatic NSCLC. SFK inhibition has a strong rationale as a clinical strategy in NSCLC. The reviewed study unfortunately showed disappointing activity as monotherapy in this molecularly unselected patient cohort and toxicity in terms of pleural effusion was problematic. Therefore, dasatinib as monotherapy in this setting does not appear promising. Nonetheless, the reviewed study may be used in conjunction with other studies of dasatinib in NSCLC to identify patients more likely to benefit from dasatinib either as monotherapy or in combination with other agents. Future studies of dasatinib in NSCLC should examine the agent in combination with EGFR inhibitors and/or cytotoxic chemotherapies.
Insights
Dasatinib, a Src family kinase (SFK) inhibitor, showed disappointing activity as a monotherapy for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Future research should explore dasatinib in combination therapies for NSCLC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Src family kinases (SFKs) are implicated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pathogenesis.
- SFK inhibition presents a potential therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dasatinib, an SFK inhibitor, as a monotherapy in patients with metastatic NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- Phase II clinical trial design.
- Inclusion of molecularly unselected patients with metastatic NSCLC.
- Administration of dasatinib as monotherapy.
Main Results:
- Dasatinib demonstrated disappointing anti-tumor activity in this unselected patient cohort.
- Problematic toxicity, specifically pleural effusion, was observed.
- Dasatinib monotherapy is not considered promising in this setting.
Conclusions:
- Dasatinib monotherapy is not a promising strategy for unselected metastatic NSCLC patients.
- Further investigation is warranted to identify patient subgroups who may benefit from dasatinib.
- Future studies should explore dasatinib in combination with EGFR inhibitors or chemotherapy.
