ROS1 rearranged nonsmall cell lung cancer and crizotinib: An Indian experience

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• ROS1 rearrangements are driver mutations in 1-2% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
• Crizotinib is an approved targeted therapy for ROS1-rearranged NSCLC in both treatment-naïve and pre-treated patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of crizotinib in patients with advanced NSCLC and ROS1 rearrangement.
• To assess treatment outcomes, including response rates, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 11 patients with advanced NSCLC and ROS1 rearrangement.
• Evaluation of outcomes in patients treated with crizotinib versus those not exposed to the drug.
• Assessment of response rates, median PFS, median OS, and 1-year OS.

Main Results:

• Crizotinib treatment in 5 patients resulted in an 80% response rate.
• Patients receiving crizotinib had not reached median PFS and OS, compared to 2.5 months PFS and 4.2 months OS for untreated patients (p<0.05).
• Estimated 1-year OS was 80% for crizotinib-treated patients versus 18% for untreated patients.

Conclusions:

• Crizotinib is an effective treatment for ROS1-rearranged NSCLC, demonstrating significant improvements in PFS and OS.
• The drug exhibits an acceptable side effect profile in this patient population.
• Crizotinib represents a crucial therapeutic option for advanced NSCLC patients with ROS1 alterations.