LONDON, October 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
European Oncology & Haematology Review, the peer-reviewed journal, has published a review highlighting the Adverse Event Management in Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-positive Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
The development of oncogene-directed targeted therapies represents a new paradigm in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), offering improved outcomes compared with chemotherapy. Rearrangements of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene are major oncogenic drivers in a subset of NSCLC patients. Since its launch in 2011, the ALK inhibitor crizotinib has become the standard of care in ALK-positive NSCLC, but resistance inevitably develops. Ceritinib and alectinib have received regulatory approval: the former in Europe, US and elsewhere in the world, the latter in Japan. ALK inhibitors target multiple pathways, and may therefore be associated with a wide range of adverse events (AEs), including gastrointestinal AEs, hepatotoxicity and, in the case of crizotinib and ceritinib, cardiac effects. While the majority of these AEs are reversible, manageable and not severe, it is important that both physician and patients are aware of toxicities to ensure prompt treatment. This article discusses the management of AEs in patients receiving currently approved ALK inhibitors, including treatment, regular monitoring, drug discontinuation or dose reduction and physician/patient education. Proactive management of AEs enhances patient quality of life and optimises the therapeutic index of these agents.
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The full peer-reviewed, open-access article is available here:
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European Oncology & Haematology Review, a peer-reviewed, open access, bi-annual journal specialising in the publication of balanced and comprehensive review articles written by leading authorities to address the most important and salient developments in the field of oncology and haematology. The aim of these reviews is to break down the high science from 'data-rich' primary papers and provide practical advice and opinion on how this information can help physicians in the day to day clinical setting. Practice guidelines, symposium write-ups, case reports, and original research articles are also featured to promote discussion and learning amongst physicians, clinicians, researchers and related healthcare professionals.
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