Refractory Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Rescued by the Combination of the Second-Generation ALK Inhibitor Brigatinib, High-dose Chemotherapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The treatment of pediatric patients with refractory or relapsed anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is still a major challenge. In addition to conventional chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, new therapeutic options such as anti-CD30 drugs and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors have been recently introduced in this setting. Among ALK inhibitors, only the first-generation molecule crizotinib is approved for pediatric use, while second-generation molecules, such as brigatinib, are still under investigation. Here we report the case of a 13-year-old boy diagnosed with stage IV ALCL, refractory to first-line conventional chemotherapy and second-line therapy with the anti CD30 antibody–drug conjugate brentuximab-vedotin, who finally achieved remission after a combination of conventional high-dose chemotherapy and the second-generation ALK inhibitor brigatinib. The latter was chosen for its ability to penetrate through the blood–brain barrier, due to the persistent involvement of the patient’s cerebral nervous system. The remission was then consolidated with an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from an unrelated donor using myeloablative conditioning with total body irradiation. At 24 months after HSCT, the patient is in complete remission, alive and well. An updated review regarding the use of ALK inhibitors in ALCL patients is provided.