TREATMENT OF ANAPLASTIC LYMPHOMA KINASE POSITIVE METASTATIC NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER IN THE ERA OF PRECISION ONCOLOGY

Abstract

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 27% of all NSCLC cases. ALK rearrangements are typically identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), or next-generation sequencing (NGS). Treatment options include first, second, and third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which vary in clinical efficacy and toxicity profiles. Clinical trials have demonstrated that lorlatinib provides the longest progression-free survival. In cases of disease progression, repeat histological analysis of the tumor is recommended to identify resistance mechanisms and guide subsequent therapy.