Lung cancer is one of the leading causes behind cancer related deaths. Various studies and research works are going on to help lung cancer patients to get cure from this disease. Time-to-time, FDA also grants approval to the set of medicines for lung cancer cure. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration has approved ensartinib for adult patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)- positive locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who have previously not received an ALK-inhibitor. This approval for ensartinib was backed by Phase 3 trial in which investigators evaluated the agent in adult patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. The patients were randomized to receive ensartinib or crizotinib. Ensartinib is manufactured by Xcovery Holdings Inc and Betta Pharmaceuticals.
In this study, the main efficacy outcome measure was progression-free survival and key secondary efficacy outcome measure was overall survival. Ensartinib demonstrated significant progression-free survival improvements in comparison with crizotinib. The median progression-free survival was 25.8 months with ensartinib and 12.7 months with crizotinib. The recommended dose of ensartinib is 225 mg orally once daily with or without food.
Ensartinib is a second-generation ALK inhibitor and it blocks the activity of faulty ALK proteins by preventing their access to energy molecules within the cancer cells. It works by disrupting the signals that help to grow cancer cells. It also helps in reducing tumor growth and leads of death of cancer cells.
With this approval, the patients with ALK-positive NSCLC are being offered a new treatment option and allow health care providers to provide personalized treatment plans.
As far as the common side effects are concerned, these include rash, musculoskeletal pain, cough, nausea, fatigue etc.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only. You should always consult your healthcare provider for any medical needs.
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