Update on Clinical Trials Currently Recruiting for ALK-positive Lung Cancer

Is Anyone Studying the Impact of Exercise on Lung Cancer Survival?

There are a number of recruiting clinical trials examining the effect of exercise on lung cancer symptoms, but only one study, at the University of Hong Kong, will look at the relationship of exercise to lung cancer survival. This clinical trial will randomize 372 patients with advanced lung cancer to either aerobic exercise, Tai Chi, or usual care. One-year survival will be assessed between the groups. Although this study is not specifically for ALK or other biomarker-positive lung cancers, the results will undoubtedly be interesting to our group. Preliminary results should be available in August of 2021.

New Clinical Trials Recruiting for ALK-positive Lung Cancer

There is a new clinical trial in Italy for those who have progressed on first line treatment (ROME). Participants will be randomized to two groups. One group will have a Foundation One tissue NGS biopsy, and their next treatment will be chosen based on the biopsy results. The other group will have standard care as recommended by current Italian Association of Medical Oncology guidelines. Recruiting has started in Rome, with 40 more sites in Italy planned. This is a rare controlled, randomized study of the value of NGS tissue re-biopsy on progression.

In Nashville, TN, and Houston TX, USA, there is a new first-in-human study for those with lung cancer and other solid tumors who have exhausted standard treatments. The trial uses GEN-011, a T-cell therapy made using the patient’s own circulating immune cells. This study may be a hopeful choice for those who may be out of options.

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.

COVID-19 & CLINICAL TRIALS

Despite the pandemic, several new trials for ALK lung cancer are recruiting for patients. Because of Covid-19, the trial teams are finding safe ways to treat participants (telemedicine, mailing meds to home, etc).

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

CenterWatch Clinical Trials Search

MassiveBio Clinical Trials Search

General Info about ALK NSCLC Clinical Trials

As of December 2020, there are at least 43 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 Medical Committee 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.

Author: Ellee Urban