Tyrosine kinase inhibitorFDA-approvedSecond-line

Lorlatinib

How it works

Blocks the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) on cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing.

Cancer types

Lung CancerALK-positive

Efficacy

In clinical trials, around 75% of patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer achieved an objective response, with median progression-free survival of approximately 18 months.

Side effects

Moderate

Side effects can be significant and may require dose adjustments or supportive medication, but the treatment is usually continued.

Evidence from research

StudyCancer typeStageEfficacy
Evaluating Lorlatinib as a First-line Treatment for ALK-positive Lung Cancer in Chinese AdultsLung CancerpreclinicalSource →
Testing Lorlatinib with Local Consolidation Therapy for Advanced Lung CancerLung Cancerphase-2Source →
Lorlatinib Cost-Effective for Lung Cancer Patients in ItalyLung Cancerphase-3Lorlatinib provided higher benefits (+2.01 life-years; +1.66 quality-adjusted life-years) at lower costs (-€19,210 per patient) compared to alectinib.Source →
Rare Side Effects Found in Lung Cancer TreatmentLung CancerobservationalSource →
Lorlatinib Linked to Rare but Specific Neuropsychiatric Side EffectsLung CancerobservationalSource →
Lorlatinib Shows Promise in Lung Cancer Patients Who Have Tried Other TreatmentsLung CancerpreclinicalThe objective response rate was 42% (95% CI, 31%-55%).Source →
Lorlatinib Efficacy and Safety in Lung Cancer PatientsLung CancerobservationalThe objective response rate was 82.9% in the first-line treatment cohort, and the disease control rate was 100%. The median progression-free survival had not yet been reached in the first-line treatment cohort, and the median progression-free survival was 16.8 months in the subsequent-line treatment cohort.Source →
Lorlatinib Shows Promise in Lung Cancer Patients Who Failed Earlier TreatmentsLung CancerobservationalThe overall objective response rate was 64.6%, with the disease control rate of 96.3%.Source →
New Lung Cancer Treatments Show Promise but Raise ConcernsLung Cancerphase-3Source →
Lorlatinib Linked to Higher Heart Risks in Lung Cancer PatientsLung CancerobservationalSource →
Weight Gain Risk for Lung Cancer Patients on LorlatinibLung CancerobservationalPatients receiving lorlatinib experienced significantly higher maximum weight gain (mean 13.5% [95% confidence interval 10.8-16.2])Source →
Lorlatinib Monotherapy Shows Promise for Rare Lung CancerLung CancerobservationalSource →
Lorlatinib Therapy Linked to Unusual Lipid LevelsLung CancerobservationalSource →

This information is provided for general education only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.