EML4-ALK variant 3 + TP53 mutation

Currently, a fourth-generation (4G) ALK TKI, NVL-655, is being developed to attack some of the unmet needs such as compound resistance mutations in cis...Potentially, in the shifting landscape where lorlatinib should be the first-line ALK TKI of choice based on the CROWN trial, the central β-sheet #6 (Cβ6) mutation ALK L1256F will be the potential acquired resistance mutation to lorlatinib which may be resistant to current ALK TKIs. Here we opine on what additional capacities a putative fifth-generation (5G) ALK TKI will need to possess if it can be achieved in one single molecule. We propose randomized trial schemas targeting some of the intrinsic resistance mechanisms that will lead to approval of a prototypic fifth-generation (5G) ALK TKI and actually be beneficial to ALK+ NSCLC patients rather than just design a positive pivotal superiority trial for the sole purpose of drug approval.

Pts with advanced/metastatic NSCLC who were ALK+ in circulating tumor DNA by Guardant360 (G360) liquid biopsy test from Jan 1, 2018, to Dec 31, 2021, and received 1L monotherapy with a next-generation ALK TKI (alectinib, brigatinib, ceritinib, lorlatinib) were identified in the Guardant INFORM clinical-genomics database. Among pts with NSCLC and ALK fusion, co-occurrence of EML4-ALK V3 and TP53 mutation is common and associated with poor prognosis and high risk of early discontinuation of 1L treatment with a next-generation ALK TKI, most likely due to disease progression. Additional novel or combination therapies are warranted for this subpopulation. >a 117 pts had data for both TP53 and EML4-ALK V1 or V3.