Brain metastases are frequently observed at diagnosis and upon progression in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) and are associated with a poor prognosis, high symptom burden, and decreased quality of life.

Lorlatinib is a potent, brain-penetrant, third-generation ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), and is approved for the treatment of patients with ALK-positive mNSCLC.

This podcast discusses the clinical significance of brain metastases and impact on treatment selection.

The authors discuss the efficacy and safety of second- and third-generation ALK TKIs for patients with and without brain metastasis to explore considerations for selecting a first-line therapy.