Dr. Rotow on the Implications of Next-Generation ALK Inhibitors in NSCLC

Julia Rotow, MD, medical oncologist, Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the implications of next-generation ALK inhibitors in non—small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

An increasing number of next-generation ALK inhibitors is emerging for the treatment of patients with ALK-positive NSCLC, says Rotow.

As such, upfront molecular testing with next-generation sequencing is critical to identify patients with an ALK alteration.

Additionally, patients with central nervous system (CNS) disease should be considered for treatment with next-generation agents such as alectinib (Alecensa) or brigatinib (Alunbrig) as they have demonstrated marked CNS activity, explains Rotow.

Starting a patient on systemic therapy may initially spare them the toxicities associated with radiation, while allowing them to achieve good disease control, concludes Rotow.