The most common type of lung cancer is non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and approximately 5% of patients with NSCLC have anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene rearrangements (ALK+). ALK+ NSCLC tumors are sensitive to ALK inhibitors, including crizotinib, which is widely used as first-line treatment in this setting. However, patients typically develop resistance to crizotinib therapy within a year.
Several newer tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib, and lorlatinib, are now available for the treatment of advanced ALK+ NSCLC. Dr Jessica Lin of Harvard discusses the available options and considerations for choosing an appropriate second- or third-line therapy.
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Cite this: ALK+ Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer - Medscape - Jan 21, 2020.
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