Dr. Spira on the Role of Frontline Brigatinib in ALK+ NSCLC

Alexander I. Spira, MD, PhD, FACP, medical oncologist, director, Virginia Cancer Specialists Research Institute and Phase 1 Trial Program, Virginia Cancer Specialists, discusses the role of frontline brigatinib (Alunbrig) in ALK-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The final results of the phase 3 ALTA-1L trial (NCT02737501) demonstrated a 52% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death with brigatinib vs crizotinib (Xalkori) in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC, reflecting consistent findings with those observed in previous interim analyses.

As such, brigatinib offers a good option for the frontline treatment of this patient population, Spira says. Additionally, alectinib (Alecensa), which was granted FDA approval prior to brigatinib, is another frontline option for patients with ALK-positive NSCLC.

Although brigatinib and alectinib have slightly different safety profiles, either agent is an appropriate option for the first-line treatment of this patient population, Spira concludes.

This activity is funded in part by Daiichi Sankyo. Content independently produced by OncLive.