Groundbreaking Results
Scientists believe they have discovered the ultimate lung cancer drug that could potentially add years to the lives of patients battling the disease. The drug, lorlatinib, has shown remarkable results in stopping tumours from progressing, even in cases where they have spread to the brain.
Potential Lifeline for Patients
In trials, patients treated with lorlatinib survived an average of five years without their cancer worsening, a stark contrast to just nine months with standard medication. Many patients are still alive years beyond what doctors had initially predicted, sparking hope that this drug could be a lifeline for the 350 Brits diagnosed with this type of cancer annually.
Unprecedented Progression-Free Survival
Dr. Benjamin Solomon, the lead author of the study, hailed the progression-free survival benefit of lorlatinib as the longest ever reported in this type of cancer. Dr. David Spigel of the American Society of Clinical Oncology described the results as groundbreaking, noting that such outcomes are rare in oncology and represent a significant advancement in lung cancer care.
Targeted Therapy Success
Lorlatinib, used to treat ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing cancer spread to the brain, a common occurrence in this type of cancer. The drug has already shown promise in a select group of patients through the NHS, with hopes of expanding access to all eligible patients.
Potential Approval for First-Line Treatment
Patient advocates are optimistic that these groundbreaking results will lead to broader approval and availability of lorlatinib as a first-line treatment for ALK-positive lung cancer. Debra Montague of ALK Positive Lung Cancer UK emphasized the potential of this drug to extend the lives of non-smoking patients affected by this type of cancer.
