ALK-positive Lung Cancer Clinical Trials (Current as of July 2020)
ALK-positive Lung Cancer Clinical Trials Update
After a worrisome dry spell, there are some exciting new clinical trials for ALK lung cancer. Even with the Covid-19 epidemic, these and other trials are recruiting patients.
At Mass General and Beth Israel in Boston, Massachusetts, USA there is a new trial of Lorlatinib Combinations in Lung Cancer. The researchers are combining Lorlatinib with Crizotinib and Lorlatinib with Binimetinib. The hope is that these combinations will delay drug resistance by targeting ALK and c-MET and MEK, respectively. This trial is open to those who have progressed on at least one ALK inhibitor.
At many sites in France, there is a new trial of Lorlatinib After Failure of Second Generation ALK Inhibitor (ORAKLE). This trial is designed for those who have had progression on either Alectinib or Brigatinib.
Although it’s not a new study, the US NCI-NRG ALK Master Protocol is an innovative trial for those with progression on Alectinib or other TKIs. In this trial, a biopsy is obtained, and the next treatment is determined by the biopsy results. This approach is true personalized medicine. There are sites for this study almost everywhere in the US.
Our newsletter theme for this edition is starting a family. An important aspect of clinical trial recruiting is that men or women entering a clinical trial must use birth control if they are potentially fertile. For those considering conceiving a biological child, interventional clinical trials should be avoided.
Clinical trials play an important role in the long-term survival of many lung cancer patients. Below is a compilation of resources that will help ALK-positive patients and their care teams identify suitable clinical trials that are open to them.
ALK Lung Cancer Clinical Trial Help and Searching
ALK Positive Support Group Clinical Trials Spreadsheet*
GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer - LUNGMATCH
LUNGevity Online Clinical Trial Finder
As of June 2020, there are at least 30 clinical trials that are recruiting specifically for people with ALK-positive lung cancer. Many of these trials have multiple sites worldwide. Since ALK-positive lung cancer is a rare disease, it is difficult for any one oncologist to be aware of all the trials available. You can advocate for yourself and find a clinical trial that may be a good fit for you at any juncture in treatment.
*Spreadsheet developed by ALK Positive Volunteer Ellee Urban and ALK Positive MPAC in August 2018. Updated monthly and posted in the ALK Positive Support Group.
Disclaimer: these trials have been consolidated by a volunteer and should not be considered exhaustive. Listing of these trials is not an endorsement, and ALK Positive does not recommend one trial over another. Please talk with your doctor about these or any trials you are interested in.