2025 Targeted Therapies of Lung Cancer (TTLC) - Posters-PP01.44 Real-World Risk Factors for ALK-Inhibitor Associated Weight Gain in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

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The provided document highlights findings from a study analyzing the impact of different Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) — specifically Lorlatinib, Crizotinib, Alectinib, and Brigatinib — on weight gain among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study, conducted retrospectively at a single institution, tracked patients from January 2020 to March 2024, focusing on the real-world incidence, severity, and timing of weight gain associated with these medications.<br /><br />Key conclusions from the study indicate that Lorlatinib is linked to a higher incidence and greater severity of weight gain compared to other ALK TKIs. Notably, weight gain with Lorlatinib occurs early in treatment and tends to escalate over time. A significant observation is that neither baseline body mass index (BMI) nor pre-existing metabolic comorbidities, like diabetes or hypertension, predict the maximum weight gain a patient might experience. However, a weight gain of 5% within the first six months of initiating TKI therapy identifies patients at higher risk of severe weight gain.<br /><br />The research emphasizes the need for improved management of this toxicity, which is prevalent and impactful on patients' quality of life. Clinicians are advised to be vigilant when patients show early signs of weight gain on TKI therapy. The study suggests that trials focusing on weight management strategies should specifically include patients who show a 5% weight gain in the initial six months of treatment.<br /><br />The document also underlines that weight gain remains a critical consideration in TKI treatment decisions, made challenging by the lack of comprehensive inter-drug comparisons and a clear understanding of predictive risk factors. The findings call for prospective trials exploring weight loss interventions in this patient population.

Asset Subtitle

Alexander Watson

Keywords

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase

ALK

tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Lorlatinib

weight gain

non-small cell lung cancer

NSCLC

real-world incidence

treatment toxicity

weight management strategies