Brigatinib in Japanese Patients With ALK-Positive NSCLC Previously Treated With Alectinib and Other Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Outcomes of the Phase 2 J-ALTA Trial

IntroductionThis phase 2 trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of brigatinib in patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC refractory to alectinib or other ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).MethodsThis single-arm, multicenter, open-label study in Japanese patients consisted of a safety lead-in followed by an expansion stage in patients refractory to ALK TKI or those naive for ALK TKI. Patients received brigatinib 180 mg once daily with 7-day lead-in at 90 mg once daily. Primary end point was independent review committee (IRC)–assessed confirmed objective response rate per the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1.ResultsWe report the results of the lead-in and expansion in the patients refractory to ALK TKI. Of 72 patients enrolled, 47 had alectinib as most recent ALK TKI (with or without previous crizotinib). At analysis cutoff, 14 of the 47 remained on brigatinib (median follow-up: 12.4 mo). In the alectinib-refractory population, IRC-assessed confirmed objective response rate was 34% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21%–49%) with median duration of response of 11.8 months (95% CI: 5.5–16.4). Disease control rate was 79% (95% CI: 64%–89%). Median IRC-assessed progression-free survival was 7.3 months (95% CI: 3.7–9.3). Two of eight patients with measurable brain lesions at baseline had confirmed intracranial partial response. Brigatinib has been found to have antitumor activity in patients with G1202R, I1171N, V1180L, and L1196M secondary mutations. The safety profile in Japanese patients was consistent with that in previous reports in broader populations.ConclusionsBrigatinib has been found to have clinically meaningful efficacy in Japanese patients with ALK+ NSCLC refractory to alectinib (with or without previous crizotinib).     

Efficacy and Safety of Brigatinib Compared With Crizotinib in Asian vs. Non-Asian Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic ALK–Inhibitor-Naive ALK+ Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Final Results From the Phase III ALTA-1L Study

BackgroundBrigatinib is a next-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy in locally advanced and metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in crizotinib-refractory and ALK inhibitor-naive settings. This analysis assessed brigatinib in Asian vs. non-Asian patients from the first-line ALTA-1L trial.Patients and MethodsThis was a subgroup analysis from the phase III ALTA-1L trial of brigatinib vs. crizotinib in ALK inhibitor–naive ALK+ NSCLC. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) as assessed by blinded independent review committee (BIRC). Secondary endpoints included confirmed objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS) in the overall population and BIRC-assessed intracranial ORR and PFS in patients with brain metastases.ResultsOf the 275 randomized patients, 108 were Asian. Brigatinib showed consistent superiority in BIRC-assessed PFS vs. crizotinib in Asian (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.35 [95% CI: 0.20-0.59]; log-rank P = .0001; median 24.0 vs. 11.1 months) and non-Asian (HR: 0.56 [95% CI: 0.38-0.84]; log-rank P = .0041; median 24.7 vs. 9.4 months) patients. Results were consistent with investigator-assessed PFS and BIRC-assessed intracranial PFS. Brigatinib was well tolerated. Toxicity profiles and dose modification rates were similar between Asian and non-Asian patients.ConclusionEfficacy with brigatinib was consistently better than with crizotinib in Asian and non-Asian patients with locally advanced or metastatic ALK inhibitor-naive ALK-+ NSCLC. There were no clinically notable differences in overall safety in Asian vs. non-Asian patients.     

Early-Onset Pulmonary Events Associated With Brigatinib Use in Advanced NSCLC

IntroductionWe evaluated pulmonary adverse events observed within 7 days after drug initiation in phase 1 to phase 3 studies of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor brigatinib.MethodsThe phase 1/2 study enrolled patients with advanced malignancies (dosage range, 30 mg–300 mg once a day); the phase 2 ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of AP26113 study treated patients with advanced ALK+ NSCLC postcrizotinib at either 90 mg once a day or 90 mg once a day for 7 days followed by 180 mg once a day; and the phase 3 ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of Brigatinib in first Line study treated inhibitor-naive patients with ALK+ NSCLC with brigatinib (180 mg once a day [with 7-day lead-in at 90 mg once a day]) or crizotinib (250 mg twice a day). Early-onset pulmonary events (EOPEs) at least possibly associated with brigatinib were captured.ResultsIn the phase 1/2, ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of AP26113, and ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of Brigatinib in first Line studies, 8% (11/137), 6% (14/219), and 3% (4/136) of patients, respectively, had at least possible EOPEs on brigatinib, with frequency appearing to increase with the starting dosage. Across trials, at the 90-mg once-a-day starting dosage (alone or step-up dosing), 4.5% of patients (20/440) had at least possible events (median time to onset, 2 days). A total of 12 patients (3%) had grade 3 or higher events leading to brigatinib discontinuation. Seven patients (1.5%) had grade 1 to grade 2 events and successfully continued brigatinib with or without brigatinib interruption, steroids, or supplemental oxygen. In pooled analysis of these trials, occurrence of EOPEs was significantly associated with continuous 10-year increases in patient age in unadjusted logistic regression analysis, and with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and number of previous regimens in multivariate regression.ConclusionsClinically apparent EOPEs can occur within days of commencing brigatinib in a subset of patients with NSCLC. Identifying clinical parameters associated with a higher risk of developing such events may help mitigate these events.     

Brigatinib-induced tuberculosis reactivation: A case report

Brigatinib is a novel potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor as third-generation therapy for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical trials show that brigatinib is potent choice of treatment for the first line and further lines of treatment of ALK rearranged NSCLC with highly potent anti-tumor effect on brain metastasis. The adverse effects of brigatinib are tolerable and managable. However, there is limited data about effects on immune system. The most possible serious adverse effect of brigatinib on immune system might be brigatinib associated grade 3-4 lymphopenia. Here we report a brigatinib-induced tuberculosis reactivation patient who is using third-line brigatinib for metastatic NSCLC and have partial response.     

Targeted therapies in non-small cell lung cancer: a focus on ALK/ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Introduction: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and ROS1 rearrangements define important molecular subgroups of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The identification of these genetic driver alterations created new potential for highly active therapeutic interventions. After discovery of ALK rearrangements in NSCLC, it was recognized that these confer sensitivity to ALK inhibition.

Areas covered: Crizotinib, the first-in-class ALK/ROS1/MET inhibitor, was initially approved as second-line treatment of ALK-positive advanced NSCLC but after this, it was firmly established as the standard first-line therapy for advanced ALK-positive NSCLC. After initial response to crizotinib, tumors inevitably relapse. Next-generation ALK inhibitors, more potent and brain-penetrable than crizotinib, may be effective in re-inducing remissions when cancers are still addicted to ALK. Ceritinib and alectinib are approved for metastatic ALK positive NSCLC patients, while brigatinib received granted accelerated approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Regarding ROS1 rearrangement, to date crizotinib is the only ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitor receiving indication as treatment of ROS1 positive advanced NSCLC.

Expert commentary: Although novel ALK-inhibitors are under clinical investigation compared to crizotinib as front-line treatment for ALK-positive NSCLC, nowadays the current standard first-line therapy for these patients is crizotinib. Further research will clarify the best management of ALK-positive NSCLC, above all who progress on first-line crizotinib.     

Brigatinib Versus Crizotinib in ALK Inhibitor–Naive Advanced ALK-Positive NSCLC: Final Results of Phase 3 ALTA-1L Trial

IntroductionIn the phase 3 study entitled ALK in Lung cancer Trial of brigAtinib in 1st Line (ALTA-1L), which is a study of brigatinib in ALK inhibitor–naive advanced ALK-positive NSCLC, brigatinib exhibited superior progression-free survival (PFS) versus crizotinib in the two planned interim analyses. Here, we report the final efficacy, safety, and exploratory results.MethodsPatients were randomized to brigatinib 180 mg once daily (7-d lead-in at 90 mg once daily) or crizotinib 250 mg twice daily. The primary end point was a blinded independent review committee–assessed PFS. Genetic alterations in plasma cell-free DNA were assessed in relation to clinical efficacy.ResultsA total of 275 patients were enrolled (brigatinib, n = 137; crizotinib, n = 138). At study end, (brigatinib median follow-up = 40.4 mo), the 3-year PFS by blinded independent review committee was 43% (brigatinib) versus 19% (crizotinib; median = 24.0 versus 11.1 mo, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35–0.66). The median overall survival was not reached in either group (HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.53–1.22). Posthoc analyses suggested an overall survival benefit for brigatinib in patients with baseline brain metastases (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21–0.89). Detectable baseline EML4-ALK fusion variant 3 and TP53 mutation in plasma were associated with poor PFS. Brigatinib exhibited superior efficacy compared with crizotinib regardless of EML4-ALK variant and TP53 mutation. Emerging secondary ALK mutations were rare in patients progressing on brigatinib. No new safety signals were observed.ConclusionsIn the ALTA-1L final analysis, with longer follow-up, brigatinib continued to exhibit superior efficacy and tolerability versus crizotinib in patients with or without poor prognostic biomarkers. The suggested survival benefit with brigatinib in patients with brain metastases warrants future study.     

Head to head evaluation of second generation ALK inhibitors brigatinib and alectinib as first-line treatment for ALK+ NSCLC using an in silico systems biology-based approach

Around 3–7% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which represent 85% of diagnosed lung cancers, have a rearrangement in the ALK gene that produces an abnormal activity of the ALK protein cell signaling pathway. The developed ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib and lorlatinb present good performance treating ALK+ NSCLC, although all patients invariably develop resistance due to ALK secondary mutations or bypass mechanisms. In the present study, we compare the potential differences between brigatinib and alectinib’s mechanisms of action as first-line treatment for ALK+ NSCLC in a systems biology-based in silico setting.Therapeutic performance mapping system (TPMS) technology was used to characterize the mechanisms of action of brigatinib and alectinib and the impact of potential resistances and drug interferences with concomitant treatments.The analyses indicate that brigatinib and alectinib affect cell growth, apoptosis and immune evasion through ALK inhibition. However, brigatinib seems to achieve a more diverse downstream effect due to a broader cancer-related kinase target spectrum. Brigatinib also shows a robust effect over invasiveness and central nervous system metastasis-related mechanisms, whereas alectinib seems to have a greater impact on the immune evasion mechanism.Based on this in silico head to head study, we conclude that brigatinib shows a predicted efficacy similar to alectinib and could be a good candidate in a first-line setting against ALK+ NSCLC. Future investigation involving clinical studies will be needed to confirm these findings. These in silico systems biology-based models could be applied for exploring other unanswered questions.     

The Biology and Clinical Features of Non–small Cell Lung Cancers with EML4-ALK Translocation

The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) acts as a dominant oncogenic driver following chromosomal rearrangements in certain cancers including non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC with ALK translocation occurs in a specific subset of patients and results in unique clinical features. Crizotinib is a small molecule inhibitor of ALK kinase that has recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. Treatment with crizotinib results in clinical benefit rate of 85%–90% and a median progression-free survival of 9–10 months for this molecular subset of patients. Ongoing studies will define the impact of crizotinib on overall survival and provide insights into the resistance mechanisms and potential activation of alternate pathways. Heat shock protein 90 inhibitors also appear promising in the treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC patients, based on early results. This article reviews the characteristics, treatment, and ongoing research in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC.     

ALK基因抑制剂治疗非小细胞肺癌脑转移的研究进展

间变性淋巴瘤激酶(ALK)重排是非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)强有力的致癌驱动基因之一,伴ALK重排的NSCLC患者应用第一代ALK抑制剂如克唑替尼的治疗疗效要远远优于化疗.同时越来越多的研究报道了ALK抑制剂在伴有脑转移的NSCLC患者中的颅内有效率.然而尽管第一代ALK抑制剂治疗ALK阳性NSCLC脑转移有初步的临床数据,但在获得性耐药后,肿瘤出现不同程度的复发,给肿瘤患者的后续治疗带来新的挑战.新一代ALK抑制剂如艾乐替尼、色瑞替尼、AP26113和PF-06463922的相继出现解决了这一问题.     

Ceritinib: a Review in ALK-Positive Advanced NSCLC

Ceritinib (Zykadia?) is an oral, selective inhibitor of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a receptor tyrosine kinase which, after genetic rearrangement, acts as an oncogenic driver in a proportion of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). The drug is approved in several countries worldwide for the treatment of patients with ALK-positive, advanced NSCLC who have previously received the first-generation ALK inhibitor crizotinib (indication details may vary by country). Approval was based on its clinical benefit in this setting in the phase I and II trials known as ASCEND-1 and ?2. Across these noncomparative studies, 36–56 % of patients achieved a response with ceritinib (at the recommended dosage of 750 mg once daily) and the responses were durable, lasting up to a median of 10 months. Patients survived free from progression for a median of up to 7 months and had a median overall survival of up to 17 months. Moreover, efficacy outcomes in patients with brain metastases were generally consistent with those of the overall study populations. Ceritinib has an acceptable tolerability profile, with gastrointestinal issues, fatigue and liver test abnormalities being the most common adverse reactions. Thus, ceritinib is a valuable treatment option for patients with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC who have already received crizotinib therapy.     

The accelerated path of ceritinib: Translating pre-clinical development into clinical efficacy

The discovery of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2007 led to the development and subsequent approval of the ALK inhibitor crizotinib in 2011. However, despite its clinical efficacy, resistance to crizotinib invariably develops. There is now a next generation of ALK inhibitors, including two that have been approved—ceritinib and alectinib—and others that are in development—brigatinib, lorlatinib and X-396. Ceritinib and the other next-generation ALK inhibitors are more potent than crizotinib and can overcome tumor cell resistance mechanisms. Ceritinib gained US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2014 following accelerated review for the treatment of patients with ALK-positive (ALK+) metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib. In pre-clinical studies, it demonstrated more potent inhibition of ALK than crizotinib in enzymatic assays, more durable responses in xenograft models and the ability to potently overcome crizotinib resistance mutations in vitro (including the gatekeeper mutation). There is also evidence for ceritinib penetration across the blood-brain barrier. In clinical trials, ceritinib has demonstrated durable responses and progression-free survival in ALK-inhibitor–pre-treated and –naïve NSCLC patients, including high overall and intracranial response rates in those with central nervous system metastases. Selective gastrointestinal toxicity of ceritinib, such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting is generally manageable with prophylactic medication and prompt dose reduction or interruption. Future progress in treating ALK+ NSCLC will focus on determining the optimal sequencing of therapies and strategies to overcome acquired resistance, an ongoing challenge in treating ALK-mutation–driven tumors.     

Real-World Efficacy and Tolerability of Brigatinib in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Prior ALK-TKIs in the United States

BackgroundReal-world evidence for brigatinib, a next-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (ALK-TKI) used in ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer, is scarce. This retrospective study evaluated real-world brigatinib utilization in the US post other ALK-TKIs.Materials and MethodsAdults with ≥1 brigatinib claim (index date) between 1 April 2017 and 30 September 2020 in the IQVIA longitudinal pharmacy claims database were followed until dose reduction, discontinuation, or end of follow-up. Patients had ≥12 months pre– and ≥1-month post–index observations.ResultsA total of 413 patients treated with brigatinib were analyzed. Over 80% received ≥1 prior ALK-TKI; alectinib and crizotinib were the most common (58.8% and 51.3% patients, respectively). The median follow-up was 8.4 months. The median time to treatment discontinuation (TTD) for brigatinib was 10.3 months (95% CI, 8.2-15.0), with 45% remaining on therapy at 12 months. The TTD was shortest (~8 months) in patients receiving both crizotinib and alectinib and longest in patients who received alectinib only prior to brigatinib (11.8 months). Adherence was high, with 92.7% of patients having a medication possession ratio of >80%. The mean dose compliance score was 1.0. Most patients reached the brigatinib dose of 180 mg/day (77%); 13.2% of patients had a dose reduction, with 89.3% and 84.6% continuing 180 mg/day therapy at 3 and 6 months, respectively.ConclusionsBrigatinib appears to be effective and well-tolerated in the real-world ALK+ NSCLC population in the US, showing benefit in patients after a next-generation ALK-TKI. Notably, dose reduction rates appeared markedly less than those seen in trials when most trial-related dose reductions were for asymptomatic laboratory abnormalities.     

艾乐替尼治疗ALK阳性非小细胞肺癌的研究进展

克唑替尼作为第一代间变性淋巴瘤激酶酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(anaplastic lymphoma kinase-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, ALKTKIs), 在间变性淋巴瘤激酶(ALK)阳性晚期非小细胞肺癌(non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC)患者的治疗中有着举足轻重的地位, 但其和所有的TKI一样, 也不可避免地遇到了耐药的问题。于是第二代ALK-TKIs (艾乐替尼、色瑞替尼、布加替尼等)应运而生, 本文就其中的研究热点之一艾乐替尼治疗ALK阳性NSCLC的研究进展进行综述。      

Efficacy of Brigatinib in Patients With Advanced ALK-Positive NSCLC Who Progressed on Alectinib or Ceritinib: ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of brigAtinib-2 (ALTA-2)

IntroductionBrigatinib is a potent next-generation ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for treatment-naive and crizotinib-refractory advanced ALK-positive (ALK+) NSCLC. We evaluated brigatinib after other next-generation ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors.MethodsIn this single-arm, phase 2, ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of brigAtinib-2 (NCT03535740), patients with advanced ALK+ NSCLC whose disease progressed on alectinib or ceritinib received brigatinib 180 mg once daily (after 7-d 90-mg lead-in). Primary end point was independent review committee (IRC)-assessed overall response rate (ORR). Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was analyzed.ResultsAmong 103 patients (data cutoff: September 30, 2020; median follow-up [range]: 10.8 [0.5–17.7] mo), confirmed IRC-ORR was 26.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.0–35.8), median duration of response, 6.3 months (95% CI: 5.6–not reached), and median progression-free survival (mPFS), 3.8 months (95% CI: 3.5–5.8). mPFS was 1.9 months (95% CI: 1.8–3.7) in patients with ctDNA-detectable baseline ALK fusion (n = 64). Among 86 patients who progressed on alectinib, IRC-ORR was 29.1% (95% CI: 19.8–39.9); mPFS was 3.8 months (95% CI: 1.9–5.4). Resistance mutations were present in 33.3% (26 of 78) of baseline ctDNA; 54% (14 of 26) of mutations were G1202R; 52% (33 of 64) of patients with detectable ALK fusion had EML4-ALK variant 3. Most common all-grade treatment-related adverse events were increased creatine phosphokinase (32%) and diarrhea (27%). The mean dose intensity of brigatinib (180 mg once daily) was 85.9%.ConclusionsIn ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of brigAtinib-2, brigatinib was found to have a limited activity in patients with ALK+ NSCLC post-ceritinib or post-alectinib therapy. mPFS was longer with brigatinib in patients without baseline detectable plasma ALK fusion.     

Brigatinib in Japanese patients with ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer: Final results of the phase 2 J-ALTA trial

The phase 2, single-arm, multicenter, open-label J-ALTA study evaluated the efficacy and safety of brigatinib in Japanese patients with advanced ALK+ non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One expansion cohort of J-ALTA enrolled patients previously treated with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs); the main cohort included patients with prior alectinib ± crizotinib. The second expansion cohort enrolled patients with TKI-naive ALK+ NSCLC. All patients received brigatinib 180 mg once daily (7-day lead-in at 90 mg daily). Among 47 patients in the main cohort, 5 (11%) remained on brigatinib at the study end (median follow-up: 23 months). In this cohort, the independent review committee (IRC)-assessed objective response rate (ORR) was 34% (95% CI, 21%–49%); median duration of response was 14.8 months (95% CI, 5.5–19.4); median IRC-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.3 months (95% CI, 3.7–12.9). Among 32 patients in the TKI-naive cohort, 25 (78%) remained on brigatinib (median follow-up: 22 months); 2-year IRC-assessed PFS was 73% (90% CI, 55%–85%); IRC-assessed ORR was 97% (95% CI, 84%–100%); the median duration of response was not reached (95% CI, 19.4–not reached); 2-year duration of response was 70%. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 68% and 91% of TKI-pretreated and TKI-naive patients, respectively. Exploratory analyses of baseline circulating tumor DNA in ALK TKI-pretreated NSCLC showed associations between poor PFS and EML4-ALK fusion variant 3 and TP53. Brigatinib is an important treatment option for Japanese patients with ALK+ NSCLC, including patients previously treated with alectinib.     

Brigatinib in Patients With Alectinib-Refractory ALK-Positive NSCLC

Introduction

The second-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor alectinib recently showed superior efficacy compared to the first-generation ALK inhibitor crizotinib in advanced ALK-rearranged NSCLC, establishing alectinib as the new standard first-line therapy. Brigatinib, another second-generation ALK inhibitor, has shown substantial activity in patients with crizotinib-refractory ALK-positive NSCLC; however, its activity in the alectinib-refractory setting is unknown.

The potential for crizotinib in non-small cell lung cancer: a perspective review

Tyrosine kinases have a crucial role as key regulators of signaling pathways that influence cell differentiation and growth. Dysregulation of tyrosine kinase-mediated signaling is understood to be an important oncogenic driver. Genetic rearrangements involving the tyrosine kinase anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene occur in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), anaplastic large cell lymphomoas, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, and other cancers. Cells with abnormal ALK signaling are sensitive to ALK inhibitors such as crizotinib. This review will highlight the discovery of the fusion between echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4) and ALK as an oncogenic driver, recognition of other ALK gene rearrangements in NSCLC, and the confirmation that crizotinib is an effective treatment for patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. Work is underway to further define the role for crizotinib in the treatment of ALK-positive lung cancer and other cancers and to investigate the molecular mechanisms for resistance to ALK inhibition with crizotinib.     

Overcoming crizotinib resistance in ALK-rearranged NSCLC with the second-generation ALK-inhibitor ceritinib

In up to 5% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, the EML4-ALK translocation drives tumor progression. Treatment with the ALK inhibitor crizotinib is more effective than standard chemotherapy. However, resistance to crizotinib occurs after approximately 8 months. Ceritinib is the first second-generation ALK inhibitor approved for treatment of crizotinib-resistant NSCLC. Ceritinib inhibits two of the most common ALK-mutants that confer resistance to crizotinib: L1196 M and G1269A. Cells with ALK expression are more sensitive to ceritinib than crizotinib (IC₅₀ 25 nM vs. 150 nM, respectively). Alternative second-generation ALK inhibitors such as Alectinib, Brigatinib and PF-06463922 are currently in development, each affecting different crizotinib-resistant ALK target mutations. Genetic identification of crizotinib-resistant mutants is essential for selecting the optimal treatment strategy in NSCLC patients to overcome resistance and to increase progression-free survival.     

Preliminary Clinical and Molecular Analysis Results From a Single-Arm Phase 2 Trial of Brigatinib in Patients With Disease Progression After Next-Generation ALK Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Advanced ALK+ NSCLC

IntroductionBrigatinib is a potent next-generation ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with activity against ALK resistance mutations and central nervous system activity. We prospectively studied the activity and safety of brigatinib in patients with disease progression after other next-generation ALK TKIs.MethodsPatients with stage IIIB or IV ALK+ NSCLC and progressive disease after next-generation ALK TKIs were eligible. Patients were required to undergo tumor biopsy less than or equal to 60 days before enrollment, and circulating tumor DNA was collected at baseline. Brigatinib treatment was 90 mg daily for 7 days and then escalated to 180 mg daily. Primary end point was objective response rate, and two-stage design was used.ResultsBetween March 2017 and November 2018, a total of 20 patients were treated in stage 1; median age was 55 years (range: 32–71), median number of previous therapies was three (range: 1–6), median number of previous ALK TKIs was two (range: 1–4), and 11 had central nervous system disease at baseline. The objective response rate was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19%–62%), and the duration of response was 5.3 months (95% CI: 3.6–nonassessable). With follow-up of 22 months, the median progression-free survival was 7.0 months (95% CI: 4.6–10.1). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were consistent with those of previous studies.ConclusionsBrigatinib has activity in ALK+ NSCLC after previous next-generation ALK TKIs. Further study in patients with disease progression on next-generation ALK TKI is warranted.National Clinical Trials #: NCT02706626     

ALK阳性非小细胞肺癌脑转移患者的治疗

背景与目的间变性淋巴瘤激酶（anaplastic lymphoma kinase, ALK）阳性非小细胞肺癌（non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC）是肺癌的一个重要亚型。ALK阳性NSCLC脑转移患者的治疗尚无标准模式。方法本研究对我院2013年3月-2016年3月期间确诊的ALK阳性NSCLC脑转移患者的临床资料和治疗情况进行回顾性分析,探讨不同治疗模式患者的转归。结果84例晚期ALK阳性NSCLC患者中,22例初诊时有脑转移,剔除3例合并表皮生长因子受体（epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR）双突变患者,共19例纳入分析。中位颅内疾病进展时间（progression-free survival, PFS）为12.0个月,一线脑部局部治疗（P=0.021）及一线克唑替尼治疗（P=0.030）可延长PFS;一线克唑替尼联合脑部局部治疗的中位颅内PFS为27.0个月,而单纯克唑替尼治疗的PFS仅为4.2个月。结论一线克唑替尼联合脑部局部治疗有助于延长ALK阳性晚期NSCLC患者的颅内PFS,因例数少,尚有待大样本多中心前瞻性临床研究证实。