Non-small cell lung cancers cover 80 per cent of overall lung cancers. Also, it can cause infection, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. Moreover, in this cancer an ALK gene fuses with another gene and produce cells. Therefore, this mutation accounts for 5 per cent of NSCLC. On the other hand, doctors use lorlatinib to block proteins which promote cancer growth.
Understanding ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer is a type of lung cancer in which the ALK gene mutates. Moreover, this gene can help to send growth signals to cancer cells. Also, it is an acquired genetic change and cannot be inherited from parents. In addition, this cancer often develops in non-smokers and younger patients.
What Is an ALK Gene Rearrangement?
This ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) is a gene that aids in cell growth and division. Furthermore, ALK gene rearrangement is an alteration of the ALK gene. It fuses with another gene, usually EML4. Thus, this action can create an abnormal protein that forces cells to grow rapidly.
What Is Lorlatinib?
Lorlatinib is a third-generation targeted cancer medicine. In addition, it can treat NSCLC with ALK or ROS1 gene mutations. Also, it comes as an oral tablet taken once a day. Moreover, this medicine can have certain side effects which can be managed with time. Always attend regular tests to monitor your treatment and outcomes.
How Does Lorlatinib Work?
Lorlatinib acts as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and blocks ALK proteins. Moreover, these proteins can drive tumor growth and replication. Also, when the ALK gene gets mutated, it makes these faulty proteins. It causes cancer cells to grow uncontrollably and send constant growth signals. However, after blocking, the cancer cells can go under programmed cell death. Also, it can decrease disease progression and spread.
What are the benefits of lorlatinib treatment?
The benefits are as follows:
- Penetration of the blood-brain barrier
- Efficient in resistance ALK inhibitors
- Decrease disease progression
- Reduce cancer load
- Lowers tumor size
What are the Possible Side Effects of Lorlatinib?
Most side effects do not need medical oversight because they are manageable. However, if any of these side effects persist, report to your doctor.
There are certain side effects, like:
Common side effects
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood sugar
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Tingling sensations
- Weight Gain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious side effects
- Severe Lung Problems
- Heart Rhythm Changes
- Psychiatric Changes
- Neurological Issues
What are brands?
Interaction with other medicines
Lorlatinib can be beneficial with certain combinations of medicines. Moreover, it can safely control lipid levels and keep blood pressure within range. Also, antihyperglycemic medicines are taken to maintain blood sugar levels. On the other hand, the medicine which blocks liver enzymes should be avoided.
Conclusion
Lorlatinib is a targeted anti-cancer medicine for ALK-positive NSCLC. Also, it works by blocking ALK proteins which enhance cancer growth. Moreover, it can decrease cancer load and spread inside the body. In addition, the medicine can cause side effects and needs constant monitoring. On the other hand, if any side effects stay, inform your doctor. In addition, doctors use specific medicine combinations to increase cancer treatment.
FAQs
Why does this medicine increase blood sugar levels?
This can occur when the medicine is not properly broken down. Also, it can be caused due to interactions with medicines, foods, or abnormal liver function.
How can this medicine cause hallucinations?
These side effects fall under serious side effects of the medicine. Furthermore, medicine can cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger effects. Therefore, patients can undergo mood changes, hallucinations, and speech problems.
References
- Solomon, B. J., Besse, B., Bauer, T. M., Felip, E., Soo, R. A., Camidge, D. R., … & Shaw, A. T. (2018). Lorlatinib in patients with ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer: results from a global phase 2 study. The Lancet Oncology, 19(12), 1654-1667. https://www.thelancet.com/article/S1470-2045(18)30649-1/abstract
- Syed, Y. Y. (2019). Lorlatinib: First Global Approval. Drugs, 79(1), 93. https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A11%3A5830443/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Acrawler-gcd&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A134195893&crl=c&jrnl=00126667&link_origin=scholar.google.com
- Du, X., Shao, Y., Qin, H. F., Tai, Y. H., & Gao, H. J. (2018). ALK‐rearrangement in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Thoracic cancer, 9(4), 423-430. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1759-7714.12613
- Nensi, S., & Ashton, J. (2021). ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer; potential combination drug treatments. Current cancer drug targets, 21(9), 737-748. https://www.benthamdirect.com/content/journals/ccdt/10.2174/1568009621666210729100647
- Ferreri, A. J., Govi, S., Pileri, S. A., & Savage, K. J. (2012). Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive. Critical reviews in oncology/hematology, 83(2), 293-302. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1040842812000443
