Experience of targeted therapy for ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer – a clinical case

Lung cancer holds a leading position in the cancer mortality pattern worldwide. The emergence of knowledge about driver mutations heralded a new era in the targeted therapy for lung carcinomas. ALK translocation is identified in 5–7% of non-small cell lung cancer cases. ALK-positive lung adenocarcinomas are associated with specific clinical features, including no or light smoking history and younger age. Alectinib is a novel ALK inhibitor that has been granted a breakthrough therapy status by the FDA to accelerate approval as a second-line therapy after progression during crizotinib therapy.

Here, the case of a patient with metastatic ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma treated with alectinib has been discussed. Molecular genetic testing for driver mutations makes it possible to personalize approaches to anticancer drug therapy. At the same time, the custom-compounded targeted therapy is more often accompanied by significant objective responses and moderate symptoms of toxicity, which is relevant for patients in critical condition. The experience in using alectinib demonstrates the possibility of its long-term administration with high efficiency and a controlled safety profile.

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