Welcome to the summer 2025 newsletter from the ALK Patient Gateway—your place for the latest information about ALK-positive lung cancer.

Researchers continue to build on momentum in treating lung cancer, particularly for those with ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They are studying tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting ALK for their effectiveness in treating early-stage disease and in combination with other treatment approaches, such as bevacizumab (an antiangiogenic drug that blocks the formation of blood vessels that bring nutrients to tumors), for advanced disease.

Datopotamab deruxatecan (Dato-DXd) is another emerging treatment to keep an eye on. In a phase 2 clinical trial, Dato-DXd shrank tumors in 23.5% of patients (overall response rate) with pretreated ALK+ NSCLC.  It is a new type of drug—an antibody-drug conjugate (or ADC)—that acts like “smart chemotherapy” to deliver the drug payload directly to cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.  

Researchers are also studying treatment-related side effects, such as unwanted weight gain during treatment with ALK-directed TKIs. One promising approach being explored is the use of GLP-1 drugs, a popular class of diabetes and weight loss medication, during TKI treatment.  

As we’ve seen in patients with metastatic lung cancer, biomarker testing will continue to play a key role in matching patients with optimal treatments, and work is underway to refine how we classify patients to provide a higher level of personalized treatment. 

Stay tuned for more updates in this space as researchers continue their work to improve the way we treat patients with ALK+ NSCLC. 

Research News

Cancer Therapy Advisor
Alectinib-Bevacizumab Combo Demonstrates Activity in Treatment-Naïve, ALK-Rearranged, Metastatic NSCLC
May 28, 2025

Journal of Clinical Oncology
Datopotamab Deruxtecan in Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Actionable Genomic Alterations: Results From the Phase II TROPION-Lung05 Study
January 6, 2025

IASCL Lung Cancer News
Potential Impact of GLP1-RAs on TKI-induced Weight Gain in Patients with NSCLC
July 7, 2025

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Refining Criteria for Choosing the First-Line Treatment for Real-World Patients with Advanced ALK-Rearranged NSCL
June 20, 2025

Get Connected

Join us for the ALK Virtual Meetup 
This is an easy way to build your community. On the fourth Wednesday of each month, you can connect with others who understand what it’s like to live with ALK+ lung cancer.

The next ALK Meetup is happening on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 12 pm ET. Register for this virtual meetup to get a confirmation email with details about how to join the virtual meeting. New attendees are always welcome and encouraged to join! Can’t make it? Don’t worry, there’s a full list of virtual meetups to fit your schedule. 

Save the Date! September 26-27, 2025 
International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference 
This free, virtual conference will give you a better understanding of the science behind your disease so you can collaborate more effectively with your healthcare team. Connect in real time with specialists and patient advocates who understand your specific diagnosis, hear inspiring survivor stories, and learn how to use your voice in research and policy advocacy. Register today.  

Have You Seen?