Mechanism of Action of Brigatinib (Alunbrig)

Mechanism of Action of Brigatinib (Alunbrig)

Brigatinib (Alunbrig) is an oral prescription targeted therapy drug belonging to the class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). It works by specifically targeting and blocking the abnormally active ALK protein in cancer cells, thereby inhibiting or slowing the growth and spread of non-small cell lung cancer. Under normal circumstances, the ALK protein is involved in cell signaling, growth, and division, but in 3-5% of NSCLC patients, the ALK protein becomes abnormal, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Brigatinib (Alunbrig) effectively blocks this process, helping to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. The drug is taken once daily as an oral tablet, with or without food. Currently, Brigatinib (Alunbrig) is approved for the treatment of adult NSCLC patients with an abnormal ALK gene that has metastasized.

Importance of Disease Progression and Brain Metastases

ALK-positive NSCLC is a disease that tends to progress beyond the lungs. Progression refers to the growth of the original tumor, spread to other organs (called metastasis), or the emergence of new tumors during treatment. Common sites of metastasis include the liver, bones, and brain. As modern treatments become increasingly effective, patients experience prolonged progression-free survival, but this also means that up to 75% of patients may eventually experience cancer spread to the brain. Brain metastases have a significant impact on quality of life, so choosing an effective treatment that targets both the primary lung tumor and brain metastases is crucial. Brigatinib (Alunbrig) is such a drug that targets multiple metastatic sites, including the brain, and may delay overall disease progression.

What is ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 80%-85% of all lung cancer cases. In some NSCLC patients, a structural change (mutation) occurs in a gene called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inside cells, leading to abnormal cell function, accelerated growth, and potentially cancer development. About 3% to 5% of NSCLC patients have this ALK gene alteration, which is most commonly seen in never-smokers or light smokers and relatively younger patients. Although there is currently no cure, targeted therapy against the ALK gene alteration can effectively control the disease. ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC refers to cancer that has spread beyond the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the liver, bones, and brain.