Brigatinib is recommended, within its marketing authorisation, for treating anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults who have already had crizotinib. It is recommended only if the company provides it according to the commercial arrangement.
People with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC that has been treated with crizotinib are currently offered ceritinib as their next treatment.
Clinical evidence based on indirect comparisons of trials suggests that people having brigatinib live longer than those having ceritinib, and that they live longer before their condition worsens. Brigatinib may be more effective for brain metastases and better tolerated than existing treatments.
The cost-effectiveness estimates are uncertain, particularly because of whether brigatinib's treatment benefit continues after stopping treatment. The most plausible estimates for brigatinib compared with ceritinib are around the higher end of what NICE normally considers acceptable for an end-of-life treatment. But the population eligible for brigatinib is small and will decrease because crizotinib is no longer considered first-line treatment for ALK-positive NSCLC. Future treatments will be limited for those who have crizotinib. Taking these exceptional circumstances into account, brigatinib is recommended for ALK-positive advanced NSCLC in adults who have had crizotinib.