Video Viewpoint Strategy Session: Expert Guidance on the Treatment of ALK-Positive Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

STATEMENT OF NEED

An estimated 228,820 new cases of lung cancer are reported in the United States annually, and 135,720 people die of the disease (ACS, 2020). Approximately 84% of cases are classified as non-small cell. Most patients are diagnosed at a locally advanced or metastatic stage, making systemic therapy the cornerstone of management (ACS, 2020). Although 70% of patients receiving first-line classical doublet chemotherapy demonstrate clinical benefit, most develop progressive disease within 5 months of their final cycle (Lazzari et al, 2017). Recently, the use of tumor histology in determining optimal treatment strategies and relevant molecular biomarkers to further refine selection of novel therapies has improved outcomes for some patients. Unfortunately, the 5-year survival rate for patients with NSCLC remains a dismal 24%, indicating a need for continued research on more effective approaches to tumor control (ACS, 2020; NCI, 2019).

TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncologists, pulmonologists, oncology advanced practitioners, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1.) Discuss how the potential for CNS disease and acquired resistance mutations can influence selection of first-line treatment for ALK-positive advanced NSCLC
2.) Evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel treatment sequences for ALK-positive advanced NSCLC