The third patient, the 33-year-old man with MASC, was assigned to the 100-mg b.i.d. dose. He too had a partial response, with radiologic evidence of substantial tumor shrinkage, and a persistent, tumor-related cough that disappeared after about 10 days of treatment, and remains on study after more than 3 months of follow-up.
The investigators have begun accruing patients for a phase II “basket” trial in adult patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors displaying TRK fusions, including non–small cell lung cancers, thyroid tumors, sarcomas, colorectal cancer, salivary gland cancers, primary central nervous system cancers, and all other solid tumors.
Dr. Hong said that the results indicate the importance of tumor profiling for the majority of patients, especially those whose disease is refractory to standard therapies.
The study was funded by Loxo Oncology. Dr. Hong disclosed receiving travel expenses from the company. Three coauthors are employees and shareholders of the company.