Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements have been identified as key oncogenic drivers in a small subset of non-small-cell lung cancers (nsclcs). Small-molecule Alk kinase inhibitors such as crizotinib have transformed the natural history of nsclc for this subgroup of patients. Because of the prevalence of nsclc, ALK-positive patients represent an important example of the paradigm for personalized medicine. Although Alk inhibitors such as crizotinib are well tolerated, there is a potential for adverse events to occur. Proactive monitoring, treatment, and education concerning those adverse events will help to optimize the therapeutic index of the drugs. The present review summarizes the management of treatment-related adverse events that can arise with Alk inhibitors such as crizotinib.
Highlights
The use of targeted therapies for subsets of molecularlydefined cancers has been a paradigm shift in cancer treatment
In 2007, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements were identified in nsclc[1,2]
The present review focuses on the management of treatment-related aes associated with Alk inhibitors
Summary
The use of targeted therapies for subsets of molecularlydefined cancers has been a paradigm shift in cancer treatment. In non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc), the shift was first seen with the discovery that mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor predicted responsiveness to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Those inhibitors are generally well tolerated, they have a unique side effect profile that differs from that of traditional cytotoxic therapy. The present review focuses on the management of treatment-related aes associated with Alk inhibitors It focuses on nsclc, given that most of the available data relate to that disease and that the other populations in which Alk inhibitors have shown benefit are relatively rare tumours. The focus of the discussion is crizotinib, because that agent is currently the only Alk inhibitor approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada; we highlight emerging data concerning second-generation Alk inhibitors
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
