Brigatinib: A Review in ALK-Inhibitor Naïve Advanced ALK-Positive NSCLC

Sheridan M Hoy1

  • 1Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand. demail@springer.com.

Drugs
|February 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Brigatinib is an effective first-line treatment for advanced ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), significantly improving progression-free survival and response rates compared to crizotinib.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) requires effective first-line therapies.
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting ALK and ROS1 offer treatment options for NSCLC.
  • Brigatinib is an approved ALK/ROS1 inhibitor for advanced NSCLC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate brigatinib as a first-line treatment for advanced ALK-positive NSCLC.
  • To compare the efficacy and safety of brigatinib versus crizotinib.
  • To assess intracranial response rates in patients with CNS metastases.

Main Methods:

  • A multinational, phase III clinical trial (ALTA-1L).
  • Comparison of brigatinib with crizotinib in treatment-naïve patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC.
  • Assessment of progression-free survival (PFS), objective response (OR) rate, and intracranial OR rate.

Main Results:

  • Brigatinib demonstrated significantly improved median PFS compared to crizotinib.
  • Higher confirmed objective response (OR) rates were observed with brigatinib.
  • Brigatinib showed improved confirmed intracranial OR rates, beneficial for patients with CNS metastases.
  • The tolerability profile of brigatinib was manageable with no new safety concerns.

Conclusions:

  • Brigatinib represents a significant advancement in first-line treatment for advanced ALK-positive NSCLC.
  • It offers superior efficacy and a manageable safety profile compared to crizotinib.
  • Brigatinib expands first-line treatment options, including for patients with central nervous system metastases.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.1K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.6K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.5K
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
2.3K