Lung Cancer Gets New Treatment

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new medication to treat non-small cell lung cancer.

This new medication is found under the brand name Alunbrigtm (brigatinib). The FDA approved it to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with a certain type of abnormal anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene; those whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body; those who have taken the medication crizotinib but their lung cancer has worsened; or those who cannot tolerate crizotinib.

Brigatinib is available in tablet form and is to be taken once a day, with or without food. Swallow these tablets whole. Do not crush, break or chew them.

Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea, feeling tired, cough and headache, according to the FDA. This medication may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can increase the medication's concentration in the blood. That's why people taking brigatinib are advised not to consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Speak with your health care provider about the best treatment for you. 

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals manufactures Alunbrigtm.