Dr. Doebele on Significant Findings of Entrectinib in Patients With ROS1+ NSCLC

Robert C. Doebele, MD, PhD, associate professor, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado, discusses the significance of the results of a trial exploring entrectinib in patients with ROS1-positive non—small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The findings of the phase II clinical trial of entrectinib in ROS1-positive NSCLC achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 78% and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of approximately 30 months, Doebele explains.

The significance of these results, Doebele adds, is that entrectinib could potentially be a central nervous system (CNS)-active tyrosine kinase inhibitor for ROS1-positive NSCLC. In this trial, there were 6 patients evaluated with CNS metastases, 5 of whom had a response and demonstrated an ORR of 83%. This is likely driving a longer PFS in these patients. In conclusion, this could potentially be a frontline option for patients with this molecular abnormality.