Brigatinib

• Brigatinib is an oral anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, primarily used for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with ALK gene rearrangement.
• It functions by blocking abnormal proteins that drive cancer cell growth, illustrating how does Brigatinib work.
• Its main indication is for ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC, addressing what is Brigatinib used for.
• Careful management of Brigatinib side effects is crucial for patient well-being and treatment adherence.
• Adherence to precise Brigatinib dosage information is vital for efficacy and safety.

What is Brigatinib?

Brigatinib is an oral anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, representing a class of targeted therapies. It is specifically designed to treat certain forms of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) where the cancer cells possess an abnormal ALK gene rearrangement. This genetic alteration leads to the production of fusion proteins that drive uncontrolled cell growth and division. Understanding what is Brigatinib involves recognizing its role as a precision medicine that specifically targets these molecular pathways, offering a more focused approach to cancer treatment.

How Brigatinib Works

To fully grasp how does Brigatinib work, one must consider its molecular mechanism. Brigatinib functions by selectively inhibiting the activity of ALK and other related kinases, such as ROS1 and EGFR. By binding to and blocking these abnormal proteins, Brigatinib effectively disrupts the signaling pathways that promote cancer cell proliferation and survival. This targeted action leads to a significant reduction in tumor growth and, in many cases, tumor shrinkage, while minimizing damage to healthy cells compared to conventional chemotherapy.

Brigatinib Uses and Dosage

The primary indication for Brigatinib is the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients whose tumors are anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive, as confirmed by an FDA-approved diagnostic test. Specifically, what is Brigatinib used for includes both first-line treatment for newly diagnosed ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC and for patients who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib, another ALK inhibitor. This broad utility highlights its importance in the therapeutic landscape for this specific cancer type.

Regarding Brigatinib dosage information, it is typically administered orally once daily. The recommended starting dose is 90 mg once daily for the first 7 days, followed by an increase to 180 mg once daily, provided the initial dose is well-tolerated. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on individual patient response, tolerability, and the occurrence of adverse reactions. It is paramount for patients to adhere strictly to their healthcare provider’s instructions and never alter the dose without professional medical advice.

Managing Brigatinib Side Effects

Like all potent medications, Brigatinib can cause a range of side effects. Proactive awareness and diligent management of Brigatinib side effects are crucial for maintaining patient quality of life and ensuring treatment continuity. Common adverse reactions reported include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain. More serious, albeit less frequent, side effects may involve interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis, hypertension (high blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heart rate), visual disturbances, and elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels.

Patients undergoing Brigatinib therapy are closely monitored for these potential adverse reactions. For instance, blood pressure should be monitored regularly, and any new or worsening respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath or cough, must be reported immediately to a healthcare professional. Early detection and appropriate intervention can often help manage or mitigate these effects, sometimes necessitating temporary dose interruption or reduction. Clinical trial data indicate that approximately 6% of patients experienced serious adverse reactions, with dose reductions occurring in 29% and permanent discontinuation in 11% due to adverse reactions (Source: FDA prescribing information for Brigatinib). This underscores the importance of close medical supervision.