Brigatinib – Targeted Cancer Therapy
Brigatinib is an innovative targeted anti-cancer medication and a potent, selective next-generation inhibitor of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK). It was specifically engineered to overcome resistance mechanisms that develop during treatment with first-generation ALK inhibitors.
The mechanism of action involves inhibiting the autophosphorylation of ALK and the ALK-mediated phosphorylation of downstream signaling proteins. Brigatinib exhibits activity against a wide range of ALK mutations, including the G1202R mutation, which frequently confers resistance to crizotinib. Additionally, brigatinib inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and possesses high blood-brain barrier permeability, making it exceptionally effective in managing brain metastases.
The drug is administered orally and features a convenient once-daily dosing schedule.
Indications
Brigatinib is indicated for the treatment of adult patients in the following scenarios:
- ALK-positive NSCLC: as first-line therapy for advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
- Resistant NSCLC: treatment of patients with metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC whose disease has progressed on or who are intolerant to crizotinib.
Dosage and administration
The brigatinib dosing regimen includes a mandatory lead-in period to monitor patient tolerability.
- Initial Dose: 90 mg once daily for the first 7 days (lead-in period).
- Maintenance Dose: if the initial dose is well-tolerated, increase to 180 mg once daily after the first 7 days.
- Administration Rules: tablets should be swallowed whole, with or without food, at the same time each day.
- Interactions: avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and strong CYP3A inducers (such as St. John’s wort).
- Missed Dose: if a dose is missed by more than 12 hours, skip the dose and take the next one at the scheduled time.