Ceritinib Research Articles

Computational-Based Polyphenol Therapy for Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer: Naringin Coamorphous Systems for Solubility and Bioavailability Enhancement.

In this research, we utilized molecular simulations to create co-amorphous materials (CAMs) of ceritinib (CRT) with the objective of improving its solubility and bioavailability. We identified naringin (NRG) as a suitable co-former for CRT CAMs based on binding energy and intermolecular interactions through computational modeling. We used the solvent evaporation method to produce CAMs of CRT and NRG, expecting to enhance both solubility and bioavailability simultaneously. The solid-state characterization using techniques like differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy affirmed the formation of a single amorphous phase and the presence of intermolecular interactions between CRT and NRG in the CAMs. These materials remained physically stable for up to six months under dry conditions at 40 °C. Moreover, the CAMs demonstrated significant improvements in the solubility and dissolution of CRT (specifically in the ratio CRT:NRG 1:2). This, in turn, led to an increase in cytotoxicity, apoptotic cells, and G0/G1 phase inhibition in A549 cells compared to CRT alone. Furthermore, CRT permeability is also improved twofold, as estimated by the everted gut sac method. The enhanced solubility of CAMs also positively affected the pharmacokinetic parameters. When compared to the physical mixture, the CAMs of CRT:NRG 2:1 exhibited a 2.1-fold increase in CRT exposure (AUC0-t) and a 2.4-fold increase in plasma concentration (Cmax).

Development of Two Novel One-Step and Green Microwell Spectrophotometric Methods for High-Throughput Determination of Ceritinib, a Potent Drug for Treatment of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Background and Objectives: Ceritinib (CER) is a potent drug of the third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor class. CER has been approved for the treatment of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutation gene. In the literature, there is no green and high-throughput analytical method for the quantitation of CER in its dosage form (Zykadia® capsules). This study describes, for the first time, the development and validation of two novel one-step and green microwell spectrophotometric methods (MW-SPMs) for the high-throughput quantitation of CER in Zykadia® capsules. Materials and Methods: These two methods were based on an in microwell formation of colored derivatives upon the reaction of CER with two different benzoquinone reagents via two different mechanisms. These reagents were ortho-benzoquinone (OBQ) and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), and their reactions proceeded via condensation and charge transfer reactions, respectively. The reactions were carried out in 96-well transparent plates, and the absorbances of the colored reaction products were measured with an absorbance microplate reader at 540 and 460 nm for reactions with OBQ and DDQ, respectively. The optimum conditions of reactions were established, their molar ratios were determined, and reaction mechanisms were postulated. Under the refined optimum reaction conditions, procedures of MW-SPMs were established and validated according to the guidelines of the International Council on Harmonization. Results: The limits of quantitation were 6.5 and 10.2 µg/well for methods involving reactions with OBQ and DDQ, respectively. Both methods were applied with great reliability to the determination of CER content in Zykadia® capsules and their drug uniformity. Greenness of the MW-SPMs was evaluated using three different metric tools, and the results proved that the two methods fulfil the requirements of green analytical approaches. In addition, the simultaneous handling of a large number of samples with microvolumes in the proposed methods gave them the advantage of a high-throughput analysis. Conclusions: The two methods are valuable tools for rapid routine application in pharmaceutical quality control units for the quantitation of CER.

Three Innovative Green and High-Throughput Microwell Spectrophotometric Methods for the Quantitation of Ceritinib, a Potent Drug for the Treatment of ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Application to the Analysis of Capsules and Drug Uniformity Testing.

Ceritinib (CER) is a potent drug that has been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring the anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutation gene. The existing methods for the quality control of CER are very limited and suffer from limited analytical throughput and do not meet the requirements of the green analytical principles. This study presented the first-ever development and validation of three innovative green and high-throughput microwell spectrophotometric methods (MW-SPMs) for the quality control of CER in its dosage form (Zykadia® capsules). These MW-SPMs were based on the formation of colored N-vinylamino-substituted haloquinone derivatives of CER upon its reactions with each of chloranil, bromanil, and 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone in the presence of acetaldehyde. The optimized procedures of the MW-SPMs were established, and their analytical performances were validated according to the ICH. The linear range of the MW-SPMs was 5-150 µg/mL, with limits of quantitation of 5.3-7.6 µg/mL. The accuracy and precision of the MW-SPMs were proved, as the average recovery values were 99.9-101.0%, and the relative standard deviations did not exceed 1.8%. The three methods were applied to the determination of CER content in Zykadia® capsules and drug content uniformity testing. The greenness of the MW-SPMs was proved using three different metric tools. In addition, these methods encompassed the advantage of high-throughput analysis. In conclusion, the three methods are valuable tools for convenient and reliable application in the pharmaceutical quality control units for CER-containing capsules.

A computational-based approach to fabricate Ceritinib co-amorphous system using a novel co-former Rutin for bioavailability enhancement

In this study, we used molecular simulations to design Ceritinib (CRT) co-amorphous materials (CAMs) with concurrent improvement in solubility and bioavailability. Computational modeling enabled us to select the co-former by estimating the binding energy and intermolecular interactions. Rutin (RTH) was selected as a co-former for CRT CAMs using the solvent evaporation method to anticipate simultaneous improvement of solubility and bioavailability. The solid state characterization using DSC, XRPD, FT-IR, and a significant shift in Gordon Taylor experimental Tg values of co-amorphous materials revealed single amorphous phase formation and intermolecular interactions between CRT and RTH. The co-amorphous materials exhibited physical stability for up to 4 months under dry conditions (40 °C). Further, co-amorphous materials maintained the supersaturation for 24 hrs and improved solubility as well as dissolution of CRT. CRT:RTH 1:1 CAMs improved the permeability of CRT by 2 fold, estimated by employing the everted gut sac method. The solubility advantage of CAMs was also reflected in pharmacokinetic parameters, with a 3.1-fold and 2-fold improvement of CRT:RTH 2:1 in CRT exposure (AUC 0-t) and plasma concentration (Cmax) compared to the physical mixture, respectively.

Safety profile of tyrosine kinase inhibitors used in non-small-cell lung cancer: An analysis from the Italian pharmacovigilance database.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is often caused by molecular alterations that can be detected by predictive biomarkers including mutations or amplifications of several genes. Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been approved in Europe by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for NSCLC. The aim of this study was to analyze the onset of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to TKIs in NSCLC through a spontaneous reporting system (SRS) database. All ADR reports having as suspected drug afatinib (AFT), alectinib (ALEC), brigatinib (BRG), ceritinib (CER), crizotinib (CRIZ), erlotinib (ERL), gefitinib (GEF), lorlatinib (LORL), nintedanib (NTB), and osimertinib (OSI) recorded into the Report Reazioni Avverse dei Medicinali (RAM) system database for national data and into the Italian SRS database for Sicilian data and collected from 2006 to 2021 have been evaluated. A descriptive analysis of basal demographic and drug-related characteristics was performed. A case-by-case methodology was conducted paying particular attention to all serious ADR reports collected in Sicily, focusing on type of seriousness, age, sex, concomitant drugs, and comorbidities. Of the 3,048 Italian reports, most of ADRs were related to ERL (n = 1,448), followed by AFT (n = 435) and GEF (n = 366). ADR reports were slightly more frequent in females (52.2%) and in the age group >65 years (53.0%). A higher number of cases were related to skin disorders (n = 1,766; 57.9%), followed by gastrointestinal disorders (n = 1,024; 33.6%), general disorders and administration site conditions (n = 536; 17.6%), and infections (n = 483; 15.8%). The case-by-case assessment of Sicilian ADRs showed that 33 cases were serious (12.5%) and mainly involved ERL (n = 17; 51.5%), occurring in males with a higher onset of respiratory diseases (30.3%) such as respiratory failure, interstitial lung disease and dyspnea. The analysis of spontaneous ADR reports of TKIs confirmed, in general, well-known risks, which often include skin, gastrointestinal, general, liver, and respiratory diseases as well as infections. However, more attention should be paid to the occurrence of serious life-threatening ADRs including respiratory failure, interstitial lung disease, and cardiogenic shock, especially in young patients.

ALK Inhibitor Plus Vinblasitine for Refractory/Relapsed Pediatric ALK+ Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Prospective, One-Arm, Open-Label Real-World Study

Background: Refractory and relapsed (r/r) anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large cell Lymphoma(ALK+ALCL) have a poor prognosis. Studies had confirmed vinblastine (VBL) may be an effective treatment for relapsed ALCL and ALK inhibitors may have high efficacy and tolerability in patients carrying ALK fusions. Therefore, we put forward a hypothesis that for those r/r ALK+ALCL patients with poor chemotherapy tolerance and effect, combining ALK inhibitors with vinblastine may have a sustained anti-tumor effect and good tolerance.Aims: To assess the efficacy and safety of ALK inhibitors combined with VBL in pediatric relapsed/refractory (r/r) ALK+ ALCL.Methods: Patients aged between 0 and 18 years with r/r ALK+ ALCL were included in this trial. ALK inhibitors are given orally with a converted dosage according to body surface areaand VBL was given with injection once a week at 4-6 mg/(m2.week). And no intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation will be in our study.We may decrease the dosage of VBL or delete VBL if patients suffer severe bone marrow suppression, repeated infections, and peripheral neuritis and other VBL-related toxicities. Available ALK inhibitors included crizotinib(CZ), alectinib(AL) and ceritinib(CER). Patients without CNS involvement took CZ, and patients with CNS involvement took AL or CER. A cycle of therapy is 28 days. Evaluation for responses toxicities were monitored and recorded.Results:27 patients were enrolled in this trial between April 2018 and April 2021. The median age was 8.3 years old(ranging from 0.75 to 16), male/female ratio is19:8. By St.jude's staging, 20 cases were in stage III (74.1%), 7 cases in stage IV (25.9%) including 3 cases (11.1%) with CNS involvement at initial diagnosis. Before being enrolled in our study, 6 patient (22.2%) failed to achieve CR with prior 4-10 chemotherapy regimens, 21 patients (77.8%) relapsed after an average of 5-16 courses of standard pulse chemotherapy regimens. After 1st cycle of treatments, 62.9%(17/26) achieved comlpele remission(CR) without measurable tumors and ALK gene transcription, no progressed cases. Additional 6 case got CR after 2-10 month(23.1%). In general, 7 patients withdraw due to death, progress, ineffectiveness, economics, adverse reactions. The treatment retention rate was ,7.1%（20/7），objective response rate (ORR) was 85.2%(23/27), best complete remission rate(CRR) was 85.2%(23/27), disease control rate(DCR) was 92.5%(25/27), average duration of CR was 14.85 months(0-36months).Toxicities included nausea and vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea(81.5%,22/27, one or more above toxicities), neutropenia (27/27), pneumonia(7.4%, 2/27), sepsis(7.4%, 2/27), creatine kinase-MB elevation (81.5%,22/27,all are in crizotinib group including 2 abnormal ECG cases), liver enzyme elevation (63.%,17//27), intestinal obstruction(7.4%, 2/26). 2 cases relapsed because of the treatment discontinuation due to severe elevated liver enzymes.Summary/Conclusion: ALK inhibitors combined with VBL may rapidly induce the tumor remission of r/r ALK+ALCL and the tolerance is good. Combination therapy may induce a more lasting remission in for patients without BM involvement. Patients with BM involvement are more likely to fail treatment. Sequential use of ALK kinase inhibitors may be an efficient strategy to counter drug resistance.More data and longer follow-up time are needed to support our study. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Development and validation of UPLC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors, alectinib, ceritinib, and crizotinib in Wistar rat plasma with application to bromelain-induced pharmacokinetic interaction

Bromelain, the aqueous extract of pineapple, has been used as a food supplement with reported nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Bromelain has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and fibrinolytic effects. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors, including alectinib (ALC), ceritinib (CER), and crizotinib (CRZ), have been efficiently used in the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The solubility of ALC, CER, and CRZ is much higher at low acidic pH (pH 1) and it decreases as the pH increases affecting their absorption with a subsequent decrease in their bioavailability. It was thought that the intake of bromelain could result in a decrease in the bioavailability of ALC, CER, and CRZ due to bromelain-induced alkalizing effect following digestion. On the contrary, bromelain could possibly increase plasma exposure of the cited drugs due to its known muco-permeation enhancing effect. The therapeutic-anticancer effect of bromelain can be possibly increased/enhanced with concomitant intake of other anticancer medications or it can add to the value of food supplements for its known nutritional benefits. Thus, this work aims at studying the possibility of any PK interaction when bromelain was taken while on ALC/CER/CRZ therapy. In this work, a new UPLC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of ALC, CER, and CRZ in rat plasma. Further application of the proposed method was performed to test the possibility of the PK interaction between bromelain and the selected ALK inhibitors in Wistar rats. Simple protein precipitation with acetonitrile was used for sample preparation. Chromatographic analysis was performed on Waters BEH™ C18 column with a mixture of acetonitrile/water containing 0.1 % formic acid (70: 30, v/v) as the mobile phase. The method permitted the analysis of ALC, CER, and CRZ in concentration ranges of 2−200, 0.4−200, and 4.0−200 ng/mL, respectively. Bromelain administration caused a significant decrease in plasma levels of CER and CRZ with lowered Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞, along with an increase in the apparent clearance. However, no significant effect was noticed with ALC. Thus, attention should be paid to avoid the intake of bromelain with CER or CRZ.

EPID-05. COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF FIRST-LINE ALK-INHIBITORS IN ALK+ LUNG CANCER BRAIN METASTASES: A NETWORK META-ANALYSIS

Abstract BACKGROUND Lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) displays an array of molecular abnormalities most commonly involving ALK and EGFR pathways. NSCLC with ALK rearrangements comprises close to 5% of cases. Several ALK inhibitors (ALKI) have been approved with activity in brain metastases. However, there have been limited comparative studies exploring their relative efficacies. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the relative efficacy of ALKIs against ALKI-naïve ALK+ lung cancer brain metastases. METHODS A review of the medical literature was conducted using online databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of English language; diagnosis of ALKI-naïve ALK+ lung cancer trials with brain metastases; treatment with Crizotinib (CRZ), Alectinib (ALC), Brigatinib (BRG), and Ceritinib (CER); and comparative studies reporting brain metastases specific responses/events. A Bayesian and a frequentists network meta-analysis were conducted using netmeta package and the random-effects model. RESULTS Eight studies comprising a total of 665 participants with ALKI-naive ALK+ lung cancer brain metastases were included. When compared pair-wise to CRZ, ALC (RR=0.49;95%CI:0.36–0.66), BRG (RR=0.39;95%CI:0.24–0.64), and CER (RR=0.36;95%CI:0.19–0.68) demonstrated significantly superior response rates in patients with untreated or previously treated lung cancer brain metastases. When the efficacy of each ALKI was compared to each other, BRG and CER were ranked the highest, followed by ALC and CRZ in decreasing order. CONCLUSIONS This network meta-analysis is the first to compare and rank approved ALKIs used in treating metastatic ALK+ lung cancer. It indicates that BRG, CER, and ALC are better therapeutic options for patients with ALK-naive ALK+ lung cancer brain metastases when compared to CRZ.

22. COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF ALK-INHIBITORS IN ALK INHIBITOR-NAIVE ALK+ LUNG CANCER BRAIN METASTASES: A NETWORK META-ANALYSIS

BACKGROUNDLung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) displays an array of molecular abnormalities most commonly involving ALK and EGFR pathways. NSCLC with ALK rearrangements comprises around 5% of cases. Over the years, several ALK inhibitors (ALKI) have been approved with notable activity in brain metastases. However, there have been limited comparative studies exploring their relative efficacies. This analysis was conducted to compare the relative efficacy of ALKIs against ALKI-naïve ALK+ lung cancer brain metastases.METHODOLOGYA review of the medical literature was conducted using online databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of English language; diagnosis of ALKI-naïve ALK+ lung cancer trials with brain metastases; treatment with Crizotinib (CRZ), Alectinib (ALC), Brigatinib (BRG), and Ceritinib (CER); and comparative studies reporting brain metastases specific responses/events. A Bayesian and a frequentists network meta-analysis were conducted using netmeta package and the random-effects model.RESULTSEight studies comprising a total of 665 participants with ALKI-naive ALK+ lung cancer brain metastases were included. When compared pair-wise to CRZ, ALC (RR=0.49;95%CI:0.36–0.66), BRG (RR=0.39;95%CI:0.24–0.64), and CER (RR=0.36;95%CI:0.19–0.68) demonstrated significantly superior response rates in patients with untreated or previously treated lung cancer brain metastases. When the efficacy of each ALKI was compared to each other, BRG and CER were ranked the highest followed by ALC then CRZ in decreasing order.CONCLUSIONSThis network meta-analysis is the first to compare and rank ALKIs used in treating metastatic ALK+ lung cancer. It indicates that BRG, CER, and ALC are better therapeutic options for patients with ALK-naive ALK+ lung cancer brain metastases when compared to CRZ.

In vitro and in vivo synergistic efficacy of ceritinib combined with programmed cell death ligand-1 inhibitor in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer.

Both ceritinib (CER) and programmed cell death (PD)‐1/PD ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) have brought significant breakthroughs for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐rearranged non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the overall clinical efficacy of either CER or PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor monotherapy has been limited to a large extent. In addition, the antitumor effect of combined CER and PD‐L1 inhibitor in ALK‐rearranged NSCLC is not fully understood. In H2228 cells, we examined the tumor killing effect of CER plus PD‐L1 inhibitor in vitro by quantitative RT‐PCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, western blot analysis, PBMC coculture system, and plasmid and transfection experiments. A Ba/F3 (EML4‐ALK‐WT) xenograft mouse model was also utilized to further evaluate the synergistic anticancer effects of CER and PD‐L1 inhibitor in vivo. The coculture system of PBMCs with H2228 cells promotes the expression of PD‐L1 and phospho‐ERK, and combined treatments facilitate lymphocyte proliferation and activation, inhibit PD‐L1 expression, and enhance lymphocyte cytotoxicity and cell death. In the in vivo NSCLC xenograft model, the volumes of tumors treated with CER and PD‐L1 inhibitor in combination were significantly smaller than those treated with CER or PD‐L1 alone. The relative tumor growth inhibitions were 84.9%, 20.0%, and 91.9% for CER, PD‐L1 inhibitor, and CER plus PD‐L1 groups, respectively. Ceritinib could synergize with PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade to yield enhanced antitumor responses along with favorable tolerability of adverse effects. Ceritinib and PD‐L1 inhibitor combined produced a synergistic antineoplastic efficacy in vitro and in vivo, which provides a key insight and proof of principle for evaluating CER plus PD‐L1 blockade as combination therapy in clinical therapeutic practice.

Forced degradation of Ceritinib under stress conditions: Structural interpretation of novel degradants using HR-MS/MS and NMR

The current work describes the preparative isolation and structural interpretation of acid degradation product of ceritinib (CRB). The drug is exposed to different stress conditions (acid, base hydrolysis, oxidation, thermal and photolytic) as suggested by International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines (ICH). The degradation of drug (CRB) is observed when exposed to acidic condition whereas the drug is stable in remaining stress conditions. The separation between drug and acid degradant was attained on a C18 BEH UPLC column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) in a gradient separation mode. The mobile phase comprises of acetonitrile and 0.05% formic acid buffer at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min and UV wavelength monitored at 215 nm. One novel degradation product formed in acidic condition was isolated by Preparative HPLC (Prep-HPLC). Structural interpretation and characterisation done by HR-MS/MS and NMR studies which is not yet described in the literature.

Ceritinib not cost effective for NSCLC in China

Ceritinib not cost effective for NSCLC in China

Next-generation ALK-TKI in NSCLC patients

Objective The aim of the study is to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of next-generation anaplastic lynphoma kinase-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (ALK-TKI) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods The clinical data and outcomes of 22 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who received the next generation of ALK-TKI from 2014 to 2017 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results 22 patients were included for survival analysis with 15 males and 7 females. The median age was 48 and all of them were adenocarcinoma patients.There were 12, 2, 7 and 1 patients received ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib and lorlatinib, respectively. A total of 14 patients could be evaluated, including complete response (CR) in 2 cases, partial response (PR) in 3 cases, stable disease (SD) in 6 cases, progressive disease (PD) in 3 cases. The ORR and DCR were 35.7% and 78.6%, respectively. The median progression free survival (PFS) of the 22 NSCLC patients was 8.7 months. Progression pattern can be analyzed in 17 patients. Among them, 10 patients underwent primary progression (lung), occurring at the leading frequency (accounting for 58.8%) and followed by central nerve system (CNS) progression (accounting for 29.4%). Conclusions Next-generation ALK-TKI provide a reasonable choice for crizotinib-resistant patients. Primary progression (lung) is the leading cause for treatment failure. Multi-disciplinary integration may provide a potential choice for prolonging administration of next-generation ALK-TKI. Key words: Carcinoma, non-small-cell lung/DT; Sulfones/TU; Carbazoles/TU; Organophosphorus compounds/TU; Lactams, macrocyclic/TU

1392P - Dose-determination results from a phase Ib/II study of ceritinib (CER) + ribociclib (RIB) in ALK-positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

1392P - Dose-determination results from a phase Ib/II study of ceritinib (CER) + ribociclib (RIB) in ALK-positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Finding a place for ceritinib in the landscape of ALK-positive nonsmall cell lung cancer

The ALK fusion oncogene was first identified in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2007 (1). It has been identified in approximately 3–7% of NSCLC cases, and more commonly in younger patients, and non- or light smokers. The central nervous system (CNS) is the most common site of disease progression, with many incidences of brain metastases diagnosed at disease onset. In the last 10 years, the discovery of ALK rearrangements has led to the rapid emergence of various ALK inhibitors, many developed in response to ALK resistance mutations that develop to crizotinib and to improve responses in the CNS.

Progress of ALK gene inhibitors in the treatment of brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement is one of the most potent carcinogenic genes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The first-generation ALK inhibitor such as crizotinib is superior to chemotherapy for NSCLC patients with ALK rearrangement. At the same time, more and more studies have reported ALK inhibitors in brain metastases of NSCLC patients with intracranial efficiency. However, despite the initial clinical data of first-generation ALK inhibitors in the treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC with brain metastases, different degrees of recurrence of tumors after acquired resistance have posed new challenges for follow-up treatment of cancer patients. A new generation of ALK inhibitors, such as alectinib, ceritinib, AP26113 and PF-06463922 have emerged to solve this problem. Key words: Carcinoma, non-small-cell lung; Neoplasm metastasis; Anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion gene inhibitors

Ceritinib and cabozantinib: new tyrosine kinase inhibitors improve treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer patients

In The Lancet , Jean Charles Soria and colleagues presented the results of the ASCEND-4 study: a randomized phase 3 trial comparing ceritinib against platinum doublet chemotherapy as first line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements that included 376 patients (189 in the ceritinib arm and 187 in the chemotherapy arm) (1).

Matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) of relative efficacy for brigatinib vs. ceritinib and alectinib in crizotinib-resistant anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

e20675 Background: Brigatinib (BRG), ceritinib (CER), and alectinib (ALEC) are second-generation ALK inhibitors developed for crizotinib (CRZ)-resistant ALK+ NSCLC. No randomized trial has directly compared the efficacy of these treatments. The goal of this analysis was to use an MAIC to indirectly compare progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for BRG vs CER and BRG vs ALEC in CRZ-resistant ALK+ NSCLC patients (pts). Methods: This analysis used pt-level data from arm B (180 mg qd with a 7-day lead-in at 90 mg, n=110) of the ALTA trial for BRG and published summary data from ASCEND-1/ASCEND-2 and NP28673 trials for CER and ALEC, respectively. PFS and OS curves from published data were digitized to generate virtual pt-level data for estimation of event rates. Pts in ALTA were assigned weights so that their weighted mean baseline characteristics matched baseline characteristics in each of ASCEND-1, ASCEND-2, and NP28673. Relative treatment effects pre- and post-matching were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Prior to matching, baseline imbalances were noted in ECOG PS 2, prior chemotherapy, Asian race, smoking status, and best prior response to CRZ among trials. Weighting reduced effective sample sizes (ESSs) for ALTA pts in the matched comparisons. Relative efficacy results were robust and did not appreciably change after adjusting for the prognostic factors (Table 1). Conclusions: Both before and after matching, BRG had significantly longer PFS compared to CER and ALEC, significantly longer OS than CER, and a trend toward longer OS than ALEC. [Table: see text]

What can we learn from 3 phase III trials of ASCEND-4: ceritinib vs . platinum/pemetrexed with pemetrexed maintenance, PROFILE 1004: crizotinib vs . platinum/pemetrexed, and J-ALEX: alectinib vs . crizotinib?

The echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) fusion gene is observed in 4–5% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (1). The first-generation ALK-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), crizotinib, showed significantly better objective responses rates (ORR) and longer progression free survival (PFS) than the standard platinum doublet chemotherapy in those patients (median PFS: 10.9 vs . 7.0 months, respectively; hazard ratio for progression or death with crizotinib: 0.45; ORR: 74% vs . 45%, respectively) (PROFILE 1014) (2). Now, ALK-TKI is considered as the first line standard treatment for patients with newly diagnosed advanced ALK-fusion gene positive NSCLC. Ceritinib is a next-generation, selective ALK inhibitor, approximately 28 to 39 times more potent than crizotinib against ALK-positive NSCLC cells. Moreover, ceritinib overcame several acquired crizotinib-resistant ALK mutations in vitro and in vivo (3).

Ceritinib vs. Chemotherapy for

The optimal sequence of therapy for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown.To compare ceritinib — a