The Significance of Brain Metastases in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Robert C. Doebele, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado, discusses the significance of brain metastases in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NCSLC).

The current standard of care for patients with NCSLC is crizotinib (Xalkori), but this treatment does not have a high response rate and does not allow for good control of brain metastases. Entrectinib (RXDX-101) is currently being tested in clinical trials and has proven to have better control on brain metastases.

Because patients with lung cancer are prone to brain metastases, entrectinib may be the better treatment option. It proves to allow better upfront control of the brain metastases in patients who are ROS1-positive. This is a preventative strategy that will lead to longer progression free survival in patients with NCSLC, Doebele says.

For more resources and information regarding anticancer targeted therapies and the latest advancements in lung cancer: http://www.targetedonc.com/resource-center/lung