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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
08:03

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Published on: December 1, 2016

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Directed Therapies in Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-rearranged Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Ralph L Millett1, Jacob M Elkon1, Imad A Tabbara2

  • 1GW Cancer Center & Department of Internal Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A.

Anticancer Research
|September 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors are effective treatments for non-small cell lung cancer. This review covers their efficacy, resistance overcoming capabilities, and central nervous system penetration.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements are key drivers in a subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Small-molecule inhibitors targeting ALK have shown improved outcomes compared to traditional chemotherapy for ALK-positive NSCLC.
  • Acquired resistance mutations and central nervous system (CNS) metastasis present significant challenges in ALK-positive NSCLC treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy and indications of current ALK inhibitors.
  • To evaluate the central nervous system (CNS) penetration of these agents.
  • To summarize ongoing clinical trials comparing ALK-targeting therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of ALK inhibitors including crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib, and lorlatinib.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data regarding efficacy, resistance, and CNS penetration.
  • Synthesis of information on ongoing comparative studies.

Main Results:

  • ALK inhibitors demonstrate superior efficacy in ALK-rearrangement-positive NSCLC.
  • Agents vary in their ability to overcome resistance mutations and penetrate the CNS.
  • Lorlatinib and alectinib show promising CNS activity.

Conclusions:

  • ALK inhibitors represent a significant advancement in NSCLC treatment.
  • Key considerations for selecting an ALK inhibitor include resistance profiles and CNS efficacy.
  • Ongoing trials are crucial for further optimizing treatment strategies.
Keywords:
ALK rearrangementNSCLCalectinibbrigatinibceritinibcrizotiniblorlatinibreview

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