Alectinib for treating patients with metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC: systematic review and network metanalysis

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of alectinib with other ALK inhibitors in treating patients with metastatic or locally advanced ALK-positive NSCLC. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted up to November 2021. Network meta-analyses were performed using the frequentist method (random effects). GRADE evidence profile was conducted. RESULTS: 13 RCTs were selected. For overall survival, alectinib was found to reduce the risk of death compared with crizotinib. In progression-free survival, alectinib reduced the risk of death or progression compared with crizotinib and ceritinib. Subgroup analysis by brain metastasis at baseline showed the superiority of alectinib over crizotinib and a similar effect compared with second-and third-generation inhibitors. Alectinib showed a good safety profile compared with the other ALK inhibitors.