Pfizer’s drug, Lorbrena, has shown significant promise in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer in patients with a mutation in the ALK gene. The latest data from a late-stage trial has demonstrated that Lorbrena helped patients live longer without the progression of their cancer, with most patients experiencing this benefit for over five years. This breakthrough could potentially establish Lorbrena as the new standard treatment for this specific form of lung cancer.
The recent five-year data from a phase three trial conducted by Pfizer has been a game-changer in the world of cancer treatment. The results, which were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago, have showcased Lorbrena’s effectiveness in comparison to Pfizer’s older lung cancer drug, Xalkori. The data revealed that Lorbrena significantly cut the risk of cancer progression or death by 81% after five years, a remarkable feat that has never been seen before.
While Lorbrena is already approved for the treatment of ALK-mutated lung cancer in the U.S., it has not yet been widely adopted as the first-line treatment for the condition. However, Pfizer is confident that the new data on Lorbrena will lead to its acceptance as the standard first-line therapy. According to Chris Boshoff, Pfizer’s chief oncology officer, providing patients with the best medicine upfront is crucial in cancer treatment, and the groundbreaking results of Lorbrena’s long-term efficacy will make it a compelling choice for healthcare providers.
Although Lorbrena is a third-generation ALK inhibitor, while its competitors, alectinib and brigatinib, are second-generation inhibitors, the data suggests that Lorbrena’s performance is unparalleled. Dr. David Spigel, chief scientific officer at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, emphasized that the results from the trial have surpassed anything seen before in terms of durable progression-free survival events. Additionally, the efficacy of Lorbrena in preventing brain metastases, a common complication in ALK-positive lung cancer, has been outstanding, with a 94% reduction in the risk of cancer progression in the brain compared to Xalkori.
While Lorbrena has shown remarkable efficacy in treating ALK-mutated lung cancer, it is not without its side effects. Common side effects of the drug include swelling, weight gain, cognitive and mood changes, and high cholesterol levels. Dr. Andrew Berens, an analyst at Leerink Partners, noted that the central nervous system side effects of Lorbrena have led to its preference as a second-line rather than first-line treatment. However, Pfizer is committed to educating physicians on how to manage these side effects effectively to ensure a high quality of life for patients undergoing treatment with Lorbrena.
Pfizer’s Lorbrena has emerged as a promising new treatment option for patients with ALK-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. The groundbreaking long-term data from the late-stage trial has set a new benchmark in cancer treatment and is poised to become the standard first-line therapy for this specific form of lung cancer. With its impressive efficacy and potential in preventing brain metastases, Lorbrena is set to revolutionize the treatment landscape for ALK-mutated lung cancer patients worldwide.
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