Dr. Patel on the Safety Profile of Entrectinib in NTRK+ Solid Tumors

Manish R. Patel, DO, associate professor of medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, discusses the safety profile of entrectinib (Rozlytrek) in NTRK fusion–positive solid tumors.

Findings from an integrated analysis of the STARTRK01, STARTRK-2, and ALKA-372-001 studies were presented during the 2020 ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancers. These trials evaluated the role of entrectinib in NTRK fusion–positive cancers, including breast cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, gynecological cancer, non–small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer.

Regarding safety, NTRK inhibitors have been associated with neural network involvement that can cause adverse effects (AEs) such as dizziness and taste change, Patel explains.

While AEs were observed in the patients who were evaluated for safety, no unexpected toxicities were noted with the agent in this analysis, says Patel. Moreover, the toxicities that were observed were mostly grade 1 or 2 and resolved or improved with dose reductions or dose interruptions.

One patient required discontinuation from treatment. Additionally, 2 treatment-related deaths were reported on the study; however, they were not confirmed to be related to entrectinib, concludes Patel.