Lorlatinib experience in a patient with ALK + non-small cell lung cancer on hemodialysis: A case report

Introduction Lorlatinib is a potent third-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase/c-ros oncogene 1 (ALK)/ROS1 oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has broad coverage of acquired resistance mutations and is currently indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are ALK-positive. Case report In this case, we aimed to present the safety and effectiveness of lorlatinib use in a patient diagnosed with ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC who underwent hemodialysis 3 days a week. Management & Outcome A 76-year-old female patient has been undergoing regular hemodialysis for about 2 years. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was taken due to headache and a mass was detected. She was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma as a result of excisional biopsy. Positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PET/CT) showed a mass in the hilar region of the left lung and multiple lymphadenopathy in the mediastinum. In February 2023, 100 mg lorlatinib was started daily. There was no significant regression in PET-CT and no brain MRI residue during follow-up. The patient has been continuing lorlatinib for approximately 1 year with almost complete response, with no side effects other than hypercholesterolemia. Discussion We presented our experience using lorlatinib in a patient with metastatic ALK + NSCLC undergoing hemodialysis. Although the dosage of lorlatinib in hemodialysis patients is still controversial, our case report indicates that 100 mg lorlatinib was safe in this patient.