How long can brigatinib/brigatinib be taken continuously?

Brigatinib/Brigatinib (Brigatinib) is an oral ALK inhibitor, mainly used to treat patients with ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially in patients who are resistant or intolerant to crizotinib. Regarding the duration of taking brigatinib, there is currently no strict “maximum period of use” set. In clinical practice and guideline recommendations worldwide, brigatinib is usually used based on the principle of “continuous use until disease progression or intolerable adverse reactions occur.” In other words, patients can continue to take brigatinib for a long time. As long as the drug effect is sustained, the drug is well tolerated, and there are no clear signs of disease progression, there is no need to interrupt treatment.

Long-term use of brigatinib depends on the individual's response to the drug. In some cases, patients can continue to use brigatinib for many years, effectively controlling tumor development and delaying the progression of drug resistance. This is also related to the pharmacological characteristics of brigatinib itself. It is superior to some previous generation ALK inhibitors in terms of blood-brain barrier penetration ability, and shows more durable control over patients with central nervous system metastasis, helping to prolong progression-free survival. At the same time, brigatinib has a higher resistance mutation barrier than other similar drugs, giving it the potential for long-term stable medication.

However, during use, patients must receive regular medical follow-up, including liver and kidney function, lung function assessment, and imaging examinations, to monitor drug effects and possible adverse reactions. Common side effects include hypertension, elevated blood creatine phosphokinase, or interstitial lung disease. Once serious adverse reactions occur, the dose may need to be adjusted, or even the drug may be temporarily discontinued or the treatment plan may be changed. Therefore, individualized management under the guidance of a doctor and ensuring safety are the keys to maintaining long-term medication effects.

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