By. Josina Reddy, MD
Date. 11/24/2023
Today, the focus is on the ALINA trial, a phase three study comparing Alectinib versus chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy for patients with stage 1B to 3A ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Presented in 2023, the trial results are discussed by Josina Reddy, MD. The significance of the phase 3 ALINA results lies in the 76% reduction in the risk of disease recurrence or death with Alectinib compared to platinum-based chemotherapy in ALK-positive early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.
Josina Reddy, MD, explains that the ALINA trial enrolled patients with early-stage lung cancer that could be surgically removed, specifically focusing on ALK-positive lung cancer. The trial aimed to address the high risk of recurrence in these patients. The randomized study revealed that Alectinib led to a substantial 76% reduction in the risk of cancer recurrence and death.
The discussion then turns to the observation of a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in central nervous system disease-free survival (DFS) with Alectinib. Josina Reddy, MD, emphasizes the impact of lung cancer spreading to the brain and highlights Alectinib’s ability to penetrate the brain, resulting in a 78% decrease in recurrences in the brain.
The role of comprehensive biomarker testing is underscored, emphasizing its importance in securing a personalized diagnosis for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Josina Reddy, MD, explains that understanding different biomarkers is crucial for treatment decisions, and comprehensive testing enables informed discussions about available treatment options.
Concerning the safety and tolerability of Alectinib, Josina Reddy, MD, notes that the findings in the ALINA study align with the extensive data from the metastatic setting. The two-year treatment duration in the study did not yield any notable differences in safety and tolerability compared to previous trials in the metastatic setting.
With the ALINA study potentially impacting the management of early-stage ALK-positive lung cancer, Josina Reddy, MD, expresses the data’s significance. Efforts are underway to discuss the findings with health authorities globally, aiming to bring Alectinib to patients in this setting. Josina Reddy, MD, expresses optimism about ongoing advancements in lung cancer treatment and acknowledges the commitment to improving outcomes for patients in the early stages with a chance of cure.