Lorlatinib for advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer – first line

Tisagenlecleucel is in clinical development for the treatment of relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. Follicular lymphoma is the most common type of slow-growing lymphoma that develops in B-cells (a type of immune cell). Relapsed refers to a disease that grows again after a period of remission while refractory refers to a disease that does not …

Capmatinib is in clinical development for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC makes up the majority of lung cancers in the UK and at the metastatic stage (stage IV), the disease has already spread from the lungs to other sites. Symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, …

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) are both rare conditions that usually affect children and young adults. ALCL is a type of cancer that occurs when T-cells, which contribute to the body’s immune system, become abnormal. IMTs are most commonly non-cancerous (benign), however in some cases the tumour can become cancerous (malignant). Both conditions can be ALK-positive (ALK+), this means that the tumour cells have a mutation in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) resulting in uncontrolled cell replication. These conditions may not be able to be treated through surgical removal of the tumour (unresectable); they may also come back after treatment (relapse) or be resistant to current treatment options (refractory).

Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy, meaning it stimulates the body’s immune system by triggering T-cells (a type of white blood cells) to find and kill cancer cells. Lenvatinib is a targeted therapy drug that inhibits cancer growth by preventing the formation of new blood vessels. These drugs modulate different aspects of tumour biology, combining them, may result in improved efficacy and help overcome resistance to immunotherapy. Pembrolizumab in combination with lenvatinib (pembrolizumab administered intravenously and lenvatinib administered orally) would offer an additional first-line treatment option for previously untreated and unresectable advanced melanoma.