Brigatinib has been approved for the treatment of ALK+ metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as ALK+ NSCLC patients who have received prior treatment with crizotinib. While it has been studied heavily in clinical trials to gain approval, there is little real-world data. A team of researchers and doctors aimed to change this with the UVEA-Brig study, which evaluates brigatinib in a clinical practice.

About the Study

The study, titled UVEA-Brig, was a retrospective study that analyzed the charts of patients from Norway, Italy, the UK, and Spain who had been treated with brigatinib. In order to be eligible for the trial, patients must have ALK+ metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Those with brain lesions, who are resistant to one or more ALK inhibitors, and with an ECOG performance status of at least three were allowed into the study as well. In the end, 104 patients were included in the review.

The participants were treated with a seven-day lead-in of 90 mg of brigatinib before being given the standard dosage of 180 mg daily. Researchers evaluated their charts for clinical outcomes, clinical disease presentation, treatment regimens used, and patient characteristics.

In terms of results, 77 of the 104 patients had discontinued treatment with brigatinib by the time the study was completed. Four of these patients did so due to adverse events. Other results include:

• Response rate of 39.8%
• Median progression-free survival was 11.3 months
• Median overall survival was 23.3 months

After being treated with brigatinib, 53 patients went on to receive systemic therapy, while 42 others were given an ALK inhibitor.

The researchers were excited by these results, as it demonstrates the safety, tolerability, and activity of brigatinib. It is a viable treatment option for patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC who had already received prior therapy.

About ALK+ Lung Cancer

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive lung cancer, a form of non-small cell lung cancer, occurs when the ALK gene is mutated. It is most common in those under the age of 55 and non-smokers, along with females and people of East Asian descent. Exposure to certain environmental carcinogens also increases one’s risk of this cancer. In terms of symptoms, patients will experience chest pain, chronic cough, wheezing, bloody sputum, fatigue, hoarse voice, loss of appetite and weight, and shortness of breath. There are a number of different treatment options for this cancer, as the FDA has approved multiple ALK inhibitors. These include Zykadia, Alecensa, Lorbrena, Xalkori, and Alunbrig. Chemotherapy and targeted therapy are also options.

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