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Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing
Published on: October 10, 2025
Brigatinib: Novel ALK Inhibitor for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Sara A Spencer1, Angela C Riley1, Adia Matthew1
11 State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, USA.
Objective:
We review here the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, dosage and administration, potential drug-drug interactions and place in therapy of brigatinib for abnormal anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) specific non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Data Sources:
A literature search using PubMed was conducted using the terms brigatinib and ALK positive NSCLC from January 2013 to November 2018.
Study Selection And Data Extraction:
All English-language articles evaluating brigatinib were analyzed for this review.
Data Synthesis:
Brigatinib was granted approval for the treatment of patients with metastatic ALK+ NSCLC who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib. It is administered at a dose of 90 mg orally once daily for the first 7 days then, if tolerated, increased to a dose of 180 mg orally once daily. Common adverse effects include nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, increased creatine phosphokinase levels, headache, dyspnea, and hypertension. Serious treatment-emergent adverse effects were pulmonary related. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This article discusses the clinical trials that led to the accelerated approval of brigatinib for its ability to overcome crizotinib-resistant mutations and for its increased central nervous system penetration properties.
Conclusion:
Brigatinib was granted accelerated approval for the treatment of patients with metastatic ALK+ NSCLC who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib. In a subset of NSCLC patients, brigatinib increases survival for approximately 1 year; however, side effects were detected.
Insights
Brigatinib offers a survival benefit for some patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progressed on crizotinib, despite potential side effects. This review covers its use in ALK-positive NSCLC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements define a subset of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Crizotinib resistance is a significant challenge in ALK-positive NSCLC management.
- Brigatinib has emerged as a targeted therapy option for advanced ALK-positive NSCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and clinical utility of brigatinib.
- To evaluate brigatinib's role in treating patients with ALK-positive NSCLC, particularly those resistant to or intolerant of crizotinib.
- To discuss brigatinib's dosing, administration, and potential drug interactions.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was performed on PubMed using keywords 'brigatinib' and 'ALK positive NSCLC' from January 2013 to November 2018.
- English-language articles evaluating brigatinib were analyzed for this review.
- Data synthesis focused on clinical trial outcomes, adverse events, and therapeutic positioning.
Main Results:
- Brigatinib received accelerated approval for metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC patients progressing on or intolerant to crizotinib.
- The recommended dosage is 90 mg once daily, increasing to 180 mg once daily if tolerated.
- Common adverse effects include nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, and hypertension; serious events involved pulmonary issues.
Conclusions:
- Brigatinib demonstrates efficacy in overcoming crizotinib resistance and exhibits CNS penetration properties.
- It offers a survival advantage of approximately one year for a subset of NSCLC patients.
- Careful monitoring for side effects is essential during brigatinib treatment.
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