Precautions and risk warnings after discontinuation of brigatinib/brigatinib (Embry)

Brigatinib/Brigatinib (Brigatinib) is an ALK inhibitor commonly used to treat ALK mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In some patients, discontinuation may be due to improvement in condition, poor drug tolerance, or severe side effects. In either case, post-discontinuation management requires special attention to reduce the occurrence of adverse consequences.

First, after stopping the drug, patients may experience recurrence or progression of the disease. Since brigatinib mainly controls tumor growth by inhibiting the activity of ALK gene mutations, once the drug is discontinued, tumor cells may proliferate again, leading to worsening of the disease. In the early days after a patient stops taking medication, doctors usually closely monitor changes in their condition, especially changes in lung symptoms, tumor markers and other indicators, in order to adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner.

Another risk that may arise after discontinuation of treatment is the development of drug resistance. In some cases, patients may develop resistance to brigatinib, causing the drug to become ineffective. At this time, doctors usually recommend other treatment options, such as switching to other ALK inhibitors, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. For patients who develop drug resistance, it is critical to adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner to ensure that patients can still receive effective treatment.

In addition, discontinuation of brigatinib may also cause some drug-related side effects. Especially during the withdrawal process, some patients may experience drug withdrawal reactions, manifested by symptoms such as decreased physical strength, loss of appetite, and nausea. These symptoms are usually short-lived, but patients still need to gradually resume their medications under the guidance of their doctor to avoid the discomfort and risks of sudden discontinuation.

For patients taking brigatinib for a long time, attention should also be paid to monitoring the cardiovascular system and pulmonary function after stopping the drug. Brigatinib is associated with side effects such as pneumonia and high blood pressure. If these symptoms are not properly treated after stopping the drug, it may cause more serious health problems.

Reference materials:https://www.alunbrig.com/