Pfizer’s drug for an advanced form of lung cancer, Lorbrena, has shown promising long-term results in a late-stage trial. The drug has helped patients live longer without cancer progression, with most patients experiencing this benefit for over five years. Additionally, Lorbrena has been found to reduce the risk of cancer progression in the brain, a significant advancement in the treatment of this specific form of lung cancer.
Lorbrena is already approved in the U.S. for treating adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who have a mutation in a gene called ALK. While this mutation only affects about 5% of non-small cell lung cancer patients, it still translates to 72,000 people being diagnosed with this specific form of lung cancer worldwide each year. This type of cancer is known for being aggressive and often affects younger individuals.
Emerging as a First-Line Treatment
While Lorbrena is currently approved as a first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, it is not yet considered the standard treatment for the condition. However, Pfizer believes that the new five-year data on the drug will change this perception. By presenting compelling evidence of the drug’s efficacy, Pfizer aims to establish Lorbrena as the standard first-line treatment for this specific form of lung cancer.
The new five-year data on Lorbrena comes from a phase three trial that led to the drug’s U.S. approval. Results from the trial showed that Lorbrena outperformed Pfizer’s older lung cancer drug, Xalkori, in terms of its effectiveness in reducing cancer progression or death. At the five-year mark, a significantly higher percentage of patients receiving Lorbrena were still benefiting from the treatment compared to those receiving Xalkori.
Comparative Advantage and Impressive Findings
Dr. David Spigel of the Sarah Cannon Research Institute described the results of the trial as the best ever seen in terms of durable, progression-free survival events. The data showed that Lorbrena significantly reduced the risk of cancer progression in the brain compared to Xalkori, an important benefit for patients with this form of lung cancer. Lorbrena’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain sets it apart from other drugs and makes it an effective treatment for preventing and treating brain metastases.
While Lorbrena has demonstrated impressive results in the trial, there are still considerations regarding its side effects and use as a first-line treatment. Common side effects of the drug include swelling, weight gain, cognitive and mood changes, and high cholesterol levels. Additionally, cognitive issues associated with Lorbrena have been noted as unusual and may impact patient quality of life. Educating physicians on how to manage these side effects will be crucial for the drug’s successful relaunch following the release of the new data.
Pfizer’s drug Lorbrena has shown significant promise as a first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer with ALK mutations. The compelling five-year data from the trial highlights the drug’s effectiveness in prolonging patient survival and reducing cancer progression, particularly in the brain. Moving forward, continued research and education will be key in establishing Lorbrena as the standard treatment for this specific form of lung cancer.