Health · Medical Research · 9 hrs ago
Lorlatinib kept lung cancer from progressing for seven years in 55% of patients
A clinical trial found that 55% of patients were alive without cancer progression after seven years of daily lorlatinib, also sold as Lorbrena.
The trial involved people with advanced lung cancer, and the drug is intended for tumours with a specific genetic change called an ALK rearrangement, found in 3% to 7% of lung cancer cases.
Lorlatinib is a targeted treatment: it blocks signals that help cancer cells grow, rather than treating every lung tumour in the same way.
The result is notable because long-term control has been difficult in advanced lung cancer, but 45% of trial participants did not have a favourable response.
Serious side effects affected 77% of participants, and 52% reported effects on the central nervous system, including changes in thinking or mood.
In Brazil, the drug was approved in 2021 and a 30-tablet box costs about R$40,000; whether it will be included in the public health system remains unanswered.
A clinical trial found that 55% of patients with advanced lung cancer who took daily lorlatinib were alive without disease progression after seven years of follow-up.
The drug, marketed as Lorbrena, works for cancers with a specific ALK gene rearrangement, found in 3% to 7% of cases of the relevant lung cancer.
The international CROWN trial assessed 296 people, most of whom had not received previous treatment.
The study also reported serious side effects in 77% of participants, and 45% did not have a favorable response.
The drug was approved by Brazil’s Anvisa in 2021 and costs about R$40,000 for a box of 30 tablets, according to CNN Brasil.
- Who
- People with advanced lung cancer whose tumors have an ALK gene rearrangement.
- What
- A study found that 55% of patients taking daily lorlatinib were alive without disease progression after seven years of follow-up.
- When
- The study followed patients for seven years; the articles were published on November 1, 2026.
- Where
- The international CROWN clinical trial; the articles do not state where it was conducted.
- Why
- Lorlatinib blocks the signal produced by the ALK rearrangement, which can drive cancer-cell growth.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Paula Piteri was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 38.
Anvisa approved lorlatinib, according to CNN Brasil.
Piteri received news that her cancer had returned.
The CROWN study found that 55% of patients taking lorlatinib were alive without disease progression.
- Trial
- CROWN international clinical trial
- Participants
- 296 people; median age 59
- Seven-year result
- 55% alive without disease progression
- ALK rearrangement
- Found in 3% to 7% of cases of the relevant lung cancer
- Serious side effects
- 77% experienced grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions
- Brazilian price
- About R$40,000 for 30 tablets
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What people are saying
Never someone passed five years without the disease progressing when chemotherapy was the only option.
It is very good to have a perspective, to know that I have a life to live.
It is important that people live, but it is very important that they continue to be, to a good extent, themselves.