Real-world outcomes according to treatment strategies in ALK-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients: an Italian retrospective study

Purpose: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement confers sensitivity to ALK inhibitors (ALKis) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although several drugs provided an impressive outcome benefit, the most effective sequential strategy is still unknown. We describe outcomes of real-life patients according to the treatment strategy received. Patients: We retrospectively collected 290 ALK rearranged advanced NSCLC diagnosed between 2011 and 2017 in 23 Italian institutions. Results: After a median follow-up of 26 months, PFS for crizotinib and a new generation ALKis were 9.4 [CI 95% 7.9–11.2] and 11.1 months [CI 95% 9.2–13.8], respectively, while TTF were 10.2 [CI 95% 8.5–12.6] and 11.9 months [CI 95% 9.7–17.4], respectively, being consistent across the different settings. The composed outcomes (the sum of PFS or TTF) in patients treated with crizotinib followed by a new generation ALKis were 27.8 months [CI 95% 24.3–33.7] in PFS and 30.4 months [CI 95% 24.7–34.9] in TTF. The median OS from the diagnosis of advanced disease was 39 months [CI 95% 31.8–54.5]. Patients receiving crizotinib followed by a new generation ALKis showed a higher median OS [57 months (CI 95% 42.0–73.8)] compared to those that did not receive crizotinib [38 months (CI 95% 18.6–NR)] and those who performed only crizotinib as target agent [15 months (CI 95% 11.3–34.0)] (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The sequential administration of crizotinib and a new generation ALKis provided a remarkable clinical benefit in this real-life population, being an interesting option to consider in selected patients.