The abstract “Patient-reported outcomes from the randomized Phase 3 CROWN study of first-line lorlatinib versus crizotinib in ALK+ NSCLC” by Mazieres et al., presents a welcome analysis of symptoms and health-related quality of life (QOL) in those patients receiving the ALK inhibitors crizotinib vs. lorlatinib. We at ALK Positive, a patient-directed support and advocacy group, are grateful to the authors for presenting this research.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of crizotinib in 2011 was a ground-breaking development for those with lung cancer harboring the ALK gene mutation. People with advanced and metastatic lung cancer, some highly symptomatic at diagnosis, were able to enter treatment with an oral drug and avoid the side effects and lifestyle changes associated with chemotherapy. At the time, perhaps the gratitude for this life-extending drug overshadowed most associated QOL concerns. With the advent of multiple ALK TKIs, and research showing median overall survival for stage IV ALK-positive NSCLC approaching seven years, our group has developed an understandable interest in quality of life and symptom management while being treated with the various ALK inhibitors.
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