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Writer's picturemeowdini
Jun 12 min read

Australian Study Reveals Efficacy of Lorlatinib in Delaying Progression of Rare Lung Cancer

A groundbreaking study from Australia has shown that the drug Lorlatinib, produced by Pfizer, can significantly delay the progression of a rare form of lung cancer by at least five years. This form of cancer, which often affects younger non-smokers, is typically challenging to treat, particularly once it has metastasized to the brain. However, the new findings offer a beacon of hope for patients suffering from this aggressive disease.


Lorlatinib, lung cancer treatment, rare cancer, Pfizer, Australian study, cancer progression, brain metastases, targeted therapy, non-smokers, genetic mutation, NICE
A new Australian study reveals that Lorlatinib, a drug by Pfizer, significantly delays the progression of a rare form of lung cancer, offering hope for younger, non-smoking patients.

  • Extended Survival Rates: The study, conducted over five years, demonstrated that Lorlatinib successfully prevented cancer progression in 60% of patients. Remarkably, this included more than half of those with brain metastases.

  • Significant Delay in Disease Progression: Researchers noted that Lorlatinib managed to halt the spread of cancer over the entire study period, making it the longest period of survival ever reported for lung cancer treatment.

  • Targeted Therapy: Lorlatinib is specifically designed for a subtype of lung cancer that features a particular genetic mutation. This subtype, although rare and constituting about 5% of lung cancer cases, is more prevalent among younger and non-smoking individuals.

  • Reevaluation of Drug Use: Despite initial resistance from the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) due to insufficient evidence, the promising results from this study may lead to a reevaluation of Lorlatinib's usage.


Study Details

The Australian study involved monitoring patients over five years, providing a robust set of data to confirm Lorlatinib's effectiveness. Although the exact median number of months patients lived without disease progression wasn't disclosed, the clear majority showed significant benefits, suggesting a substantial breakthrough in treatment outcomes.


Broader Implications

Lorlatinib's success highlights the potential of targeted therapies in managing rare and aggressive cancers. The drug works by inhibiting specific genetic pathways that cancer cells rely on, thus slowing down or halting the disease's progression. This approach not only improves survival rates but also enhances the quality of life for patients by reducing the spread to critical areas such as the brain.


Future Directions

Given these promising results, further research and clinical trials are expected to explore Lorlatinib's full potential and mechanisms. Additionally, regulatory bodies like NICE may reconsider their stance, potentially approving wider use of this life-extending treatment.



The Australian study underscores the importance of continuous research and innovation in cancer treatment. Lorlatinib offers a new lease on life for patients with a rare form of lung cancer, providing hope where there was once little. As further studies corroborate these findings, Lorlatinib may become a cornerstone in the battle against lung cancer.


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