Treatment of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer: update and perspectives

Purpose of review We describe recent developments in the rapidly evolving field of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-targeting agents. Recent findings Five targeted drugs are currently available in the clinic via regular approval or named patient programs, including crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib and lorlatinib. Further drugs are tested in clinical trials. This review summarizes published data, together with drug-specific information on dosing and toxicity. Moreover, we discuss different clinical scenarios and potential treatment options in patients with tumor progression, based on current literature and our own experience. Summary Patients with metastatic, anaplastic lymphoma kinase-rearranged nonsmall cell lung cancer should be managed by interdisciplinary expert teams. New drugs with enhanced brain activity are available, and some patients may benefit from local therapies.