Advancing targeted therapies in oncology: The role of alectinib in managing ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract

e20062 Background: Lung cancer, particularly Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), continues to present a significant global health burden, with research focused on improving treatment outcomes. Among the key developments in targeted therapies, Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)-positive NSCLC stands out as a promising area for novel treatments. Alectinib, an emerging treatment option, has garnered attention for its potential to outperform conventional therapeutic strategies. This review aims to critically evaluate alectinib’s efficacy and safety in comparison to existing treatments, with an emphasis on its role in multidisciplinary patient care and surgical decision-making. Further, understanding its applications in neoadjuvant therapy could lead to advancements in clinical protocols and improved patient outcomes. Methods: This systematic review meticulously analyzed literature from PubMed, PubMed Central, and Medline databases. Following stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine studies were selected, encompassing a total of 1,280 patients. Of these, approximately 60.9% (780 patients) were treated with alectinib, while 39.1% (500 patients) received alternative chemotherapeutic regimens. The primary aim of this analysis was to compare the efficacy of alectinib in the treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC and to assess its safety profile. Results: The review findings indicate that alectinib demonstrates superior efficacy in treating ALK-positive NSCLC, particularly in reducing the incidence of Central Nervous System (CNS) metastases, a common complication in this patient population. Additionally, alectinib exhibits a favorable safety profile, with adverse events being manageable and less severe when compared to alternative chemotherapies. These results underscore its potential as a first-line therapy for ALK-positive cases and its capacity to improve overall patient outcomes. Conclusions: Alectinib has emerged as a highly effective treatment option for patients with ALK-positive NSCLC, offering distinct advantages over traditional chemotherapies. Its ability to limit CNS metastases, coupled with its manageable side-effect profile, positions it as a leading therapy in this field. As the clinical landscape for ALK-positive NSCLC evolves, it is vital for oncologists, surgeons, and healthcare teams to stay informed about alectinib's evolving role in neoadjuvant treatment protocols. Familiarity with its benefits and limitations will ensure that clinicians can make well-informed decisions, thus enhancing patient care and outcomes in this challenging oncological domain.